Founded on July 1, 1980, with the singularity of integrating a system of periodical publications for children and young people, together with an editorial project for the production of books. Initially there were 11 magazines: Bijirita (bimonthly), Pionero (weekly), Somos Jóvenes, Alma Máter, Juventud Técnica, Caimán Barbudo, Nosotros (aimed at FEEM students), Joven Comunista, SEPMI and El Guía (aimed at adults who attended the Pioneer Organization at the base). Currently, only the first six publications are published.
Mission
This publishing house integrates the priorities of the political-ideological work with children, adolescents and young people, oriented by the Communist Party of Cuba, which govern the work of the Young Communist League and the student and youth organizations that it groups together. The magazines are also in the vortex of the Battle of Ideas, and are, increasingly, a reflection of the multiple missions of the new Cuban generations. In their pages, a wide range of topics is opened, aimed at contributing to the enrichment of the political and ideological, ethical, historical, scientific and ecological culture, highlighting the values of socialism, anti-imperialism, love for the work of the Revolution and the feelings of national identity and solidarity.
Rescuing the political poster, the graphic intentionality and above all a message that addresses, with the greatest commitment, the issues of Cuban society and today's world, the publisher meets the educational needs of children, adolescents and young Cubans.
Prizes awarded
Every year, the Publishing House announces the Abril Prize literary contest, which allows the publication of unpublished works by new or established authors, dedicated to children and young people, among whom Enrique Pérez Díaz, Celima Bernal and Ana María Valenzuela, among others, could be highlighted.
Actuality
In 2024, as part of the activities for the 45th anniversary of the publishing house, a program was organized that included the presentation of several books, such as “Mamá cuentalotodo” by Liudmila Peña Herrera and with a children's theme.
The campaign began with the song “Corazones Verdes” (Green Hearts).
Also the book entitled “Nemo, el látigo y el cascabel”, by Rodolfo Romero Reyes, which originated in the column of the same name, published by the author himself in the Alma Mater Magazine.
The edition of “El Diablo Ilustrado” (The Illustrated Devil), by Fidel Díaz Castro, considered one of the best-selling books in the imprint due to the way it has connected with the different generations of young people in Cuba and the world, dealing with topics related to human values, family, friends and love, was also announced.
The premiere of the song “Corazones Verdes” (Green Hearts), composed by Juan Miguel Cruz Suárez, director of Casa Editora Abril, was scheduled as a tribute to the 45th anniversary campaign.
The program included the “Liborio Noval” Basic Photography Course, taught by Puerto Rican photographer Ramón Frontera Nieves, an activity that takes place every year in a different province, under the supervision of Casa Editora Abril, the Puerto Rican mission in Cuba, the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution and the Union of Young Communists. In 2024, the special municipality of the Isle of Youth was chosen.
And throughout the summer, every Wednesday, the space “Lee con Abril” (Read with Abril), to present books by the publisher, an activity that was foreseen due to the importance of direct interaction with readers.
Awards obtained by the Publisher
La Rosa Blanca Award: Evangelista y los recuerdos and Cuando llegan las cigüeñas de París.
Critics Award: She wrote post-criticism.
Scientific-Technical Literature Award: Recipient José Martí.
26th of July Graphics Awards:Cover design ¿Disidents or mercenaries?”, El Diablo Ilustrado.
Illustration Award: El Diablo Ilustrado.
Cover and mention award, respectively, “Cartas de ida y vuelta” and “La vida es hoy”.
Institution that owns the Replica of the Machete of Generalissimo Máximo Gómez, awarded by the FAR in 2003.
National Vanguard Collective of the Union of Culture since 2000.
Condition Heroes of the Moncada. 2004.
Awards obtained by the magazines
Los zapaticos de rosa: Zunzún and Pionero.
National Prize of Cultural Journalism of the UNEAC: Alma Máter and El Caimán Barbudo.
26th of July National Graphic and Journalism Salon Award: Alma Máter and Books.
Gilberto Caballero National Contest of Scientific-Technical Journalism Awards: to several journalists and Juventud Técnica magazine.
Awards in the 2nd and 3rd National Festival of the Written Press: Zunzún, El Caimán Barbudo, Alma Máter and Pionero.