TdM catalogue

RIGHTS LIST SPRING 2025

Giuseppe Ferrario A UTHOR

Beyond The River

The Double Knight - The Great Shrub

Two unexpected heroes, two sides of the same river, two adventures destined to meet. Which story will you choose first?

In the distant village of Meltinpotto, Cosaks and Tatars have lived together for a long time, despite the fact that one ethnic group is sedentary and loves bears, and the other lives in yurts full of falcons. But everything changes when two kids, Olmo and Odon, argue over a game of bog-ball. The adults intervene and disaster strikes: Cosaks and Tatars must separate, a new war begins! Olmo and Odon take two different paths; they discover distant cities, legendary heroes, and a new sense of justice that will bring them together again.

Giuseppe Ferrario

He worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for Walt Disney, Warner Bros, Mtv and many others. His book “Thoni e i suoi cugini. Un’estate fuor d’acqua” was a finalist for the important Italian Strega Prize for children in 2020.

KEYWORDS: Adventure, war, growing, friendship, bravery, epic.

An epic, fairy-tale double comic with incredible double-page illustrations!

The Secret Door Why Children’s Books Are a

Very Serious Thing

An original work written for Terre di mezzo by Mac Barnett, New York Times bestselling author.

“Children are the most intelligent, and adventurous, and honest audience a writer could hope to have. An average child is a much better reader of literary fiction, much better than the average adult.” The first book for adults from one of the most important US authors for children and young people: a passionate journey – serious and ironic at the same time – to explore why it is essential to write for young people today, and to discover the dignity of an often mistreated literature.

Cover illustrated by Carson Ellis.

RIGHTS SOLD: BRAZIL, BULGARIA, DENMARK, KOREA, TURKEY, GREECE, ROMANIA

An essential book for parents, teachers, librarians, and authors.

ADULTS

KEYWORDS: Children’s literature, essay, imagination, writing, teaching.

Mac Barnett

He is an American author translated worldwide. He directed 826LA, a non-profit creative writing workshop for children. In 2012 he won the Boston Globe – Horn Book Award, and in 2013 the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. He is also among the authors of the Best Illustrated Children’s Books selected in 2019 by the New York Times and the New York Public Library.

★ Children’s books are among the best-selling, most read and with the most transformative power of others. [...] So they are not just real books, but very real books.

INTERNAZIONALE

★ Mac Barnett, author of over sixty books for children [...], for the first time addresses adults, because they are the ones who write children’s books, they are the ones who publish them, sell them, buy them, review them, read them to their children.

★ An American children’s author publishes an impassioned eulogy for the too-often underrated “over 10 not admitted” literature. We totally agree.

REPUBBLICA

Luca Tortolini A UTHOR

Marco Somà ILL USTRATOR

What I (don’t) know about

love

The new picture book by the beloved duo of What Is School?, an emotional gift for all ages that invites us to reflect on a universal and captivating theme.

“Love” is a word that can be found everywhere: some write it on walls or in the sand, some say it for fun or out of boredom, and some don’t dare to pronounce it and keep it deep in their hearts. But what do we know about love? How many different forms can it take? Is it something for everyone or only for a lucky few? Should it be nurtured slowly like a garden, or is it more like a gust of wind that arrives unexpectedly?

Luca Tortolini

Prolific and well-known Italian author, in 2024 he won the prestigious Andersen Award for Best Writer.

Marco Somà Illustrator and teacher, winner of the 2019 Andersen Award for Best Illustrator, he has published with major Italian children’s publishers and internationally.

Sergio Olivotti A UTHOR

Irene Volpiano ILL USTRATOR

The Season of Rainbows

A poetic picture book for all ages about the universal experience of falling in love, disappointment, and renewal. Featuring the stunning illustrations of Irene Volpiano, a rising talent in Italian illustration.

Leo meets a girl on the beach. They fall in love, and the world around them bursts into fantastic colors: they dream of defeating the dragons, freeing jellyfish, and living in a city among the branches. Together, anything seems possible. Until one day, the idyll ends. With a broken heart, Leo embarks on a long journey through landscapes filled with melancholy and uncertainty. He doesn’t know that at the end of the journey, a new rainbow awaits him…

Sergio Olivotti Author and illustrator of numerous Italian children’s books. For over twenty years, he has been teaching graphic design in high schools.

Irene Volpiano

In 2024, she was a finalist in the Illustrators Exhibition at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. She also illustrated Roberto Piumini’s books.

A humorous story about the subjective nature of experiences, featuring the lively and modern style of one of Italy’s most innovative voices in illustrated storytelling.

Testo Genis mil inctistio cone pelecto blaceate vero beaquam faccaep ercident volores sust quataeratur?

Alibusa ndaeri blat ium cusdani ssinulpa sa simi, temporis et, cus, ut volo to voluptatiis alit faccus, voloreic to tectorum et at aliat quia cullore qui unda dolupta cori occus eatur? Esti core, sequos et apienia doluptas renihil iquiandi doloritium rempore prerovidis et ma sitiis rerspieni berem. At anihit aut qui aut qui as quiberentur, accusci destiaspitia vendi cusdam nihilic

Alberto Lot

He is a designer, illustrator, and animator who loves creating visually appealing projects, but easy to understand. His books have received several awards, including a special mention at the Bologna Ragazzi Award, inclusion in the IBBY Honour List, and selection for the White Ravens.

Luca Tortolini A UTHOR

Paolo Proietti ILL USTRATOR

Because I Love You

A sweet and intense picture book, made by two beloved Italian authors for children.

A tender and affectionate dialogue between a little squirrel who acts up and his mother who calms and reassures him.

In a fairytale-like forest, the squirrel asks his mother questions that touch the roots of their bond. To each question, the answer is always the same: “Because I love you”.

A timeless story that celebrates the power of unconditional love and will warm the heart of every reader.

RIGHTS SOLD: GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, ROMANIA, CHINA, HONG KONG, MACAO, TAIWAN

Luca Tortoini

Prolific and well-known Italian author, in 2024 he won the prestigious Andersen Award for Best Writer.

Paolo Proietti

He has illustrated successful titles, both in Italy and abroad. He is inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki.

Dario Pomodoro AUTHOR

Lorenzo Sangiò ILLUSTRATOR

The Greatest Dinner Ever

A witty contemporary fable that plays on the characteristics of the most beloved animals.

Monsieur Fourmi is preparing a sumptuous dinner for his animal friends, but assigning places at the tables seems an impossible task: Dog and Cat do not want to sit next to each other, Sheep risks to become the lunch of Wolf, Owl insists on eating in the dark. The ingenious chef finally manages to arrange all his guests. But there is one detail he is not considering: how will they get into his tiny restaurant? A story that promotes empathy in social relationships, and offers opportunities of dialogue about the importance of recognizing the feelings and needs of others.

RIGHTS SOLD: KOREA, CHINA, TAIWAN, HONG KONG, MACAO, JAPAN

Dario Pomodoro

He works as an educator and made his

debut in writing in 2022. He finds inspiration in everything around him and through the eyes of his children.

Lorenzo Sangiò

He is among the Italian excellencies of the new generation of children’s illustrators at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. He works with publishers from all over the world.

AGE: 4+

Luca Cognolato AUTHOR

Marco Paschetta ILLUSTRATOR

The Man Who Sold Time

An evocative metaphor, which naturally emerges from the poetic illustrator whose recognizable sign is increasingly appreciated. Vettore sells days, hours, and minutes, to all those who need extra time. Like the baker, who asks for an extra five minutes of sleep in the morning. Or children, who still need half an hour to play. Tireless and selfless, Vettore donates the time he spares to those in need, without keeping a single minute for himself. But when a storm damages his home, his community comes to his rescue, demonstrating how generosity is always rewarded beyond expectation.

RIGHTS SOLD: CHINA, JAPAN

Luca Cognolato

He’s a children’s and young adult author translated into several languages. His book L’eroe invisibile was listed among the “White Ravens”.

Marco Paschetta Illustrator and teacher, he collaborates with publishers in several countries. His comic Pistillo was a finalist for the Andersen Prize and was included in the Ibby Honour List.

Agnès de Lestrade A UTHOR

Valeria Docampo ILL USTRATOR

The Little Prince

The timeless story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry retold by beloved children’s author Agnès de Lestrade, with gorgeous illustrations by Valeria Docampo. Meet the Little Prince, with his questions about love, friendship and the meaning of life, in a unique picture book true to the original but reinvented by the successful pair behind the bestseller La grande fabrique de mots (The Great Word Factory), sold in over 20 countries.

RIGHTS SOLD: ARGENTINA AND LATIN AMERICA, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, CANADA, CHINA, CROATIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, ESTONIA, FINLAND, GERMANY, GREECE, KOREA, MALTA, NORWAY, ROMANIA, SERBIA, SWITZERLAND, TAIWAN, THE NEDERLANDS, TURKEY

Agnès de Lestrade

She is one of the bestknown French children’s authors. So far she has published about 20 picture books.

Valeria Docampo

She was born in Argentina and currently lives in France. She is one of the most prominent illustrators in recent years.

Agnès de Lestrade AUTHOR Valeria Docampo ILLUSTRATOR

PICTURE BOOK

AGE: 4+

HARDCOVER

28 CM X 21 CM

56 PAGES

FULL COLOUR

FRENCH TRANSLATION

AVAILABLE

INVENTORY OF THE

SUSPENDED DAYS

Happy Ideas for Hard Times

The new title of the beloved duo Agnès de Lestrade & Valeria Docampo. There are days that you don’t feel like going anywhere. There are days you can’t physically go anywhere. You feel locked, trapped. But sometimes there are enough happy little thoughts to smile and hope: for example, trying to breed a snail, to celebrate the birthday with your neighbor, or to plan the next vacation dreaming on the map.

A sweet picture book born during the pandemic, but suitable for all stages of life. Last but not least: the authors and the publisher will donate a part of the proceeds to a solidarity project.

RIGHTS SOLD: CROATIA, LATIN AMERICA

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4-99 · HARDCOVER 14 CM X 19 CM · 80 PAGES · TWO COLOURS

Alessandro Sanna, Giusi Quarenghi AUTHORS

EN CHANTMENT

A large-format picture book, striking in its powerful watercolors, from the Italian excellence of illustration. Two extraordinary artists take us back to the moment when it all began. The mystery of life emerges from a ripple of the original void. The word that generates the world and the creatures that inhabit it. The first step of humanity when discovers the miracle of fire and how to dominate the darkness. A journey into the dawn of time to embrace the gift of our existence and the responsibility to protect it.

An open work, which raises big questions through a suggestive and symbolic narration. Selected for The Braw Amazing Bookshelf 2024.

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 6-99 · HARDCOVER

WHAT IS SCHOOL?

Benches to rest the elbows, sharpeners and thoughts to exchange, teachers who teach history but also to make mistakes, girls and boys of all kinds. A sum of differences. An open place even when it is indoors, where ideas and words are born to imagine a new world.

A passionate and grateful portrait that will resonate today more than ever in the hearts of those who experience school.

RIGHTS SOLD: CHINA, HONG KONG, MACAO, TAIWAN, DENMARK, FRANCE, GREECE, KOREA, LITHUANIA, ROMANIA, POLAND, PERU, SWITZERLAND, TAIWAN, PORTUGAL, TURKEY

PICTURE

THE TRUE STORY OF THE EVIL WITCH

By the same writer of “What is School?”

Nobody loves the evil witch: she is ugly, she is scary, she can not live together with “normal” people.

Better she hide in the woods, harboring a grudge and eating the lost children she meets. Until the moment when Hansel and Gretel knock on her door. What will happen next is a known story, but this time we have a different question: is it inevitable that the story ends like this? Is it so easy to tell the good from the bad?

An engaging story that invites you to take care of diversity, to never stop to try to understand the reasons of others.

RIGHTS SOLD: PERU

TREES

ILLUSTRATOR

An antidote to plant blindness that stimulates curiosity and love for the green space around us.

Twelve colorful portraits of trees that highlight the peculiarities of the trunks, foliage, flowers and fruits.

A passionate tribute to these silent and reassuring playmates, and to the climbing and discoveries of a group of children who love to be outdoors and who dream for a life in harmony with nature and everything around us.

Dans le jardin, the previous book by Irene Penazzi, has been included in the Ibby Honour List 2020.

RIGHTS SOLD: FRANCE, KOREA

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4+ · HARDCOVER

22,5 CM X 32 CM · 32 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Mariapaola Pesce

ILLUSTRATOR

Irene Penazzi

ONE MORE, DAD!

A dad who is always by your side, through all the moments of your life: the most everyday ones (play, brush your teeth, bedtime cuddles), and the most significant ones (first love, first disappointment, first moving house, first child...). Until, with time, roles exchange, and now he is the one who needs you.

An intense text, with fresh and joyful illustrations, which speaks to the heart of every child and every dad.

Nosella AUTHOR Evelise Obinu ILLUSTRATOR

THE CATPENTER

A fairytale that mixes humor and tenderness, which tells how difficult and important it is to welcome changes, and how unpredictable the paths of love are.

The Catpenter knows how to make the right cat for each customer, and there is always a large queue outside his shop. One day, a very sad child arrives, with a piece of paper full of indications. The catpenter gets to work, but when the child sees the result, he runs home in tears: it’s not the cat he wanted! Not his old cat Brownie! The new cat, however, immediately falls in love with the child, he runs away to look for him and, with his sweet tenacity, he will be able to overcome all resistance.

RIGHTS SOLD: KOREA

Daniela Carucci AUTHOR Giulia Pastorino ILLUSTRATOR

WHAT’S INSIDE ME?

A poetic and amusing portrait of childhood.

If you look inside your navel, you can find darkness, stomach ache, emotion... And above all a very hungry feeling, so much that you even want to eat your sister. And then? Between the teeth there are jumps and cream puffs. Behind your ears, revolutions. In your feet, something strange, in fact they grow a little every day. There is an entire world in your nose. Between amazement, shock and pride too, the little protagonist tells about his own body and discovers to feel different and extraordinary, like each of us!

Selected for the Ibby Honour List 2023.

RIGHTS SOLD: CHINA, KOREA

Mariapaola Pesce AUTHOR Martina Tonello ILLUSTRATOR

I HEARD THAT...

A vibrant build-up story to talk about the risks of disinformation. No one has seen the mole around for some time... Where will she be gone? She ran away because she angered the farmer? Did she go to New York to run the marathon? Has she become a celebrity and is she going to make a movie? In a messed-up wireless phone, the animals of the forest and farm are exchanging more and more hypotheses striking about the fate of their friend. Who will be right?

RIGHTS SOLD: KOREA, CHINA, HONG KONG, MACAO

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4+ · HARDCOVER

23 CM X 28 CM · 32 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Angelo Mozzillo

ILLUSTRATOR Alice Piaggio

LITTLE FISH CAME FIRST

After a long swim in search of uncharted seas, Little Fish is convinced that he has finally discovered a place where no one has ever gone before. Too bad not to have a flag to plant, to let everyone know that that place belongs only to him.

“Need a flag? Here it is!” says the turtle, which appears from around the corner. And then here is the squid, the crab, the clam, the jellyfish... With great disappointment, Little Fish realizes that actually that space belongs to everyone! But he also discovers that many can play much more fun games.

A story that makes you think about our desire to possess and the pleasure and benefits of sharing.

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 3+ · HARDCOVER

25,5

AUTHOR Deco ILLUSTRATOR

CELESTE AND HER TWIN BLUE

Celeste has only one playmate: Blue, an imaginary friend (her reflection inside a bucket full of water). Celeste is fine like this: in her heart, there is only place for her dad, for her white cat, and for Blue. The arrival of the new neighbors upsets this balance and Blue disappears. Celeste is very worried, but Rosa, the neighbor’s daughter, comes to her rescue: she reassures her and encourages her to overcome her fears and open up to others.

Winner picture book of the Livio Sossi Prize, promoted by “Lucca Comics and Games”.

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4+ · HARDCOVER

ILLUSTRATOR

I DID NOT EXPECT

Snapshots of unexpected happiness from every corner of the planet. Sparks of humanity that create union and surprise, beyond the color of the skin. To feel part of the same large community and trust in the power of serendipity.

Winner picture book of the Livio Sossi Prize, promoted by “Lucca Comics and Games”.

RIGHTS SOLD: CHINA, HONG KONK, TAIWAN, MACAO

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4+ · HARDCOVER

AUTHOR Letizia Iannaccone

LOOK CAREFULLY

A wordless book about the pleasure of abandoning yourself to the imagination and the possibility of grasping magical ideas everywhere you look.

Some afternoons in the garden it seems that there is nothing fun to do. But if you look with curiosity among the leaves and blades of grass, you can discover something unexpected. For example, a small population of green creatures, ready to welcome you to their secret world.

And suddenly you become tiny lke them, you can introduce them to your dog, play with them, be taught how to fly on the back of a ladybug...

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4+ · HARDCOVER

20,5 CM X 28,5 CM · 40 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Silvio Boselli

ALL THE STRENGTH OF A FLOWER

A funny character wanders around an arid and desolate world. He arrives in front of a very high wall that cuts that battered land like a wound.

Armed with his spray can, he draws a flower on it, but is quickly stopped by a loyal policeman. The funny little man, however, does not lose heart. Because hope is just around the corner. Indeed, beyond the wall.

Perfect for telling even the little ones the importance of going beyond barriers that divides us from others.

A poetic and dreamy book without words on the revolutionary force of kindness. PICTURE

Anselmo Roveda AUTHOR Elisabetta Civardi ILLUSTRATOR

WHOSE SWING IS IT?

Bear likes to swing alone. All the time. All day. But Badger, Dog, and all the others like to swing too. Yet, Bear never leaves it, never. And so, often, someone is sad. The dog then has an idea: he calls his big cousins that close the playground and get to work. The next day, instead of the swing, there is a new game, where there is room for everyone, even for Bear.

The most loved game by all children becomes the occasion to experience cooperation and inclusion.

RIGHTS SOLD: KOREA

PICTURE BOOK AGE: 4+ HARDCOVER

Anselmo Roveda AUTHOR Elisabetta Civardi ILLUSTRATOR

WHEN ANIMALS HAD NO TAILS

A long time ago, animals had no tail. But it was a big problem: the dog could not wag his tail to the master, the fox could not make himself beautiful, the horse could not chase flies away... So one day the lion gathered his subjects and distributed tails to everyone. The first ones received the best tails, the last ones...

RIGHTS SOLD: KOREA

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 4+ · HARDCOVER

20 CM X 20 CM · 32 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Melania Longo ILLUSTRATOR Alessandro Sanna

MOUNT MILK

Let’s discover a particular mountain, with familiar traits, where something extraordinary happens every day. Extraordinary is the relationship between a mother and a newborn baby: the expectations, the first glances… The story of a bond that can transform the world and, even before, that changes the two protagonists: the mother and the child. Through falls and ascents, they will learn the joy of being themself and to trust each other.

With the intense illustrations by Alessandro Sanna, first Italian Children’s Laureate chosen by the Association of Independent Children’s Bookstores (Alir).

RIGHTS SOLD: KOREA

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: CROSSOVER · HARDCOVER 22 CM X 22 CM · 48 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

WONDER WALLS

Our cities hold unexpected stories, starting from their very walls: a jagged mark becomes an impetuous horse; an hole – if you look carefully – is a puffer fish swimming in the sea; and that scraped plaster looks like volcano smoke, doesn’t it?

A wonderful book for all ages, a celebration of the boundless power of imagination.

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 5+ · SOFTCOVER

23,5 CM X 17 CM · 128 PAGES · B/W

AUTHOR Sara Trofa

ILLUSTRATOR Simona Mulazzani

PEBBLE

It happens to everyone to feel sometimes melancholy, to have a little pain or a concern that does not leave you alone. The characters of this book are dealing with this situation: the rabbit is sad, and the other two try to make him feel better, with a gentle question, a push in swing, a tickle assault... And show us that the best antidote to small sorrows is affection and the joy that true friends can give us.

PICTURE BOOK · AGE: 3+ · HARDCOVER

24 CM X 24,8 CM · 32 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Letizia Iannaccone

ILLUSTRATOR Sonia M. L. Possentini

MY DOG

My dog does not talk, but I understand him anyway.

Sometimes he thinks he is like me and I think I am like him.

We were born on the same day, we live in the same house.

A hymn to the friendship between a child and his dog: a relationship of trust, complicity, unconditional love which lasts a lifetime, and beyond. The text, incisive and poetic, is framed by tender illustrations to touch all animal lovers’ hearts.

PICTURE BOOK AGE: 4+ HARDCOVER

28 CM X 23 CM 36 PAGES FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Alberto Benevelli

ILLUSTRATOR

Loretta Serofilli

BIGGER!

“You need to be big to carry big things!” The double-decker bus is sure of it, and thanks to its size it can transport lots of people and certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. But the tow-truck doesn’t agree: how can it not be important, since it’s so much stronger… and the tractor? How about the car, for taking a nice drive to the country? One vehicle leads to another, until we finally come to the bicycle: the smallest of them all, but one that carries a truly precious cargo: a boy bringing a flower to the girl he loves. How will the story end?

RIGHTS SOLD: CHINA

PICTURE BOOK AGE: 4+ HARDCOVER

21,5 CM X 26 CM 32 PAGES FULL COLOUR

AUTHOR Gek Tessaro

I WANT IT TOO

Pompeo Tiburzio is a little crow who wants to be a… stork! He convinces a flock of storks to let him carry a newborn to its mummy, but he soon realizes that he’s gone the wrong way, and that the real destination is too far for his little wings. Luckily, he meets a group of bizarre characters – a knight fighting a dragon, a lion and an elephant who have escaped from a zoo and a bunch of comical pirates – who will help him on his journey. A funny story about the importance of not letting go your dreams, of working hard to make them come true.

PICTURE BOOK AGE: 4+ HARDCOVER 19 CM X 26,5 CM 56 PAGES FULL COLOUR

Emma Lidia Squillari AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Giuditta Campello WRITER

The Giggly Friends A Thrilling Afternoon

A first reading in block letters that balances moments of suspense and funny misunderstandings, written in accessible and fresh language!

The second title of The Giggly Friends’ series. While immersed in reading scary stories, Piglet receives a phone call from Magpie. Her friend suggests they go to the river together with Goose, but the sky threatens rain, and Piglet prefers to stay home. A storm breaks out, the power goes out, and the doorbell rings. Piglet opens the door and... there’s no one there! Could it be ghosts? And where did Magpie and Goose go to escape the rain? AGE: 5+

Emma Lidia Squillari

Renowned ItalianAmerican author and illustrator. Her world is populated by funny characters and unpredictable stories. She publishes both in Italy and abroad.

Giuditta Campello She has published over 70 books with the main Italian publishers for children. She is inspired by the magical atmospheres of the forest, where she sets many of her stories.

Emma Lidia Squillari AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Giuditta Campello WRITER

THE GIGGLY FRIENDS. A TRIP TO THE LAKE

A fun illustrated first reading, which kicks off a series with simple and compelling writing.

Goose is enthusiastic to go on a trip with Magpie and Piglet. It promises to be a wonderful day!

But once they get to the lake, the two prefer to rest on the grass rather than dive in with her. Goose is disappointed and is about to leave when she sees a scary, terrifying, monstrous Thing underwater... it looks like a terrible aquatic monster! The three friends get together to challenge their fears and, once the mystery is solved, it’s finally time to enjoy a swim all together, between dives and laughter. CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 5+ ·

Marsi A UTHOR

Francesca Carabelli ILL USTRATOR

Smart Adelina And The Mysterious Key

The final, explosive episode of the quadrilogy dedicated to the imaginative Smart Adelina.

Smart Adelina finds a mysterious key hidden in a tree’s trunk in the garden. It seems very old! What will it open? Maybe the box that the terrible Teresa Turnupnose has kept in her house for years? Or maybe it belongs to Parsley, who has a huge collection of keys! And what if witches were involved too?

But this time, to uncover the mystery, Adelina will have to go all the way to Lake Cuckoobeak accompanied as always by her faithful talking cat and her friends Carlo and Veronica.

Cristina Marsi

She is an important and renowned Italian author of illustrated books and first readings.

Francesca Carabelli

She has illustrated dozens of books for children in Italy and abroad.

Marsi AUTHOR Francesca Carabelli ILLUSTRATOR

SMART ADELINA

And the Mystery of the Missing Vice Grandmother

Mafalda, Adelina’s “vice grandmother”, disappears suddenly leaving the front door wide open. Among other things, her book of secret recipes is also missing... So the little girl, together with her sardonic cat Chip, starts investigating the whole neighborhood. A snort of cinnamon and a strange imprint are the only clues she has, and question after question Adelina is convinced that Mafalda has been kidnapped by a group of terrible witches!

Adelina is curious and passionate, always poised between the most sincere reality and the wildest imagination. A new, irresistible series of micro investigations for first readers.

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER 13,5 CM X 20,5 CM · 96 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

Cristina Marsi AUTHOR Francesca Carabelli ILLUSTRATOR

SMART ADELINA

And the Wrong Love Letter

A carrier pigeon delivers a love letter to Adelina, but our little investigator immediately understands that it can not be for her: “The writing is small, shy. Words make you blush. They describe silky hair, deep gaze, distant sunsets. Of course it’s not for me. I do not like this at all, bleh!”.

So Adelina and her trusty cat Chip search the author of the mysterious letter and, above all, the recipient. With a surprise ending!

The second adventure of Adelina and her “talking” cat.

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER 13,5

SMART ADELINA

And the Ghosts of Spring

The third unmissable adventure from the most beloved investigator for early readers.

When she is in class, Adelina continues to be distracted, but when the teacher mentions wildfires, a spark ignites in her: in her aunt’s camp she has noticed suspicious little lights! So she arranges to stay overnight in a camping tent out there and also involves her friend Veronica in the adventure. But Adelina’s imagination never stands still: what if those little lights were actually… ghosts! All that’s left is to set out to investigate!

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER 13,5 CM X 20,5 CM · 96 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

THE ADVENTURES OF THE SWAMPY SWAMP

Watch Out for the Wrinkly Slobbercrawl!

A fun and colorful adventure that invites the reader to go beyond appearances.

Hoppie, Buckie and Buzz (a bunny, a frog and a hornet) are best friends. Life in the Mud Valley flows quietly, but one day the three get a little too close to the Swampy Swamp, where it is said that the terrible Slobbercrawl lives, a wrinkled and ravenous toad... But will it be really as dangerous as they say?

A new series for first readers by the beloved authors of Smart Adelina.

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 5+ · HARDCOVER 13,5 CM X 20,5 CM · 64 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

SMELL OF BROTH

Pietrino lives in the most famous boarding school in the city. But he is always alone, especially at weekends when the other boys return to their families. Pietrino has only a distant uncle who is always traveling the world, and the cook Anacleto, whose soups and broths make the air stink. Anacleto tells Pietrino that in the basement of the boarding school lives a sorcerer who transforms boys into shadows. Pietrino believes it is just a legend, but one day he goes down into the cellar and encounters a strange creature... “A tight, sparkling fantasy story.” -Andersen

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER 13,5 CM X 20,5 CM · 128 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

TALES FROM GREENSHADE

The

nameless frog

A poetic, fabulous illustration that praises the vitality of nature and the power of hospitality.

On the edge of the city lies a small valley more alive than ever before. It is Ombraverde, home to many animals. One day there is a storm and, from a wheel never seen before, sprout two long legs: it is a yellow frog! Raised with men in a strange glass den, he lacks a very important thing: a name. Between concerts, jumping contests, and midge balls, the frog is determined to find his own identity. But the high grass also hides great dangers... Only by facing them the frog can finally choose his name! A harmonious and immersive world that resembles to Brambly Hedge, perfect to read aloud!

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER 16 CM X 21 CM · 72 PAGES · FULL COLOUR

THE SECRET OF THE CREATURE

An unmissable novel that invites us to embrace our true nature.

In the forest of Bel Nocciòlo lives a magical and dangerous Creature, or so they say in the village. But Rosa does not want to hear about magic, even if she guards an unmentionable secret. Yet Cesare, who has no secrets, does believe in magic! On a snowy day, the two children meet and run into Burro (Butter), a big loving dog. Rosa is looking for something special to cure her father from a strange malaise, so Cesare and Burro decide to help her and go into the woods. Perhaps the Creature could have the solution... A new and powerful voice in Italian juvenile fiction.

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 8+ · HARDCOVER 14 CM X 21 CM · 104 PAGES · BLACK AND WHITE

Movarelli, Angelo Mozzillo AUTHORS Alice Coppini ILLUSTRATOR

THE TEN DAYS OF THE COLANDER

A story for young readers on the danger of “fake news.”

Nico, Luca, and Alina are great friends, going to school together and planning adventures in an old tin shed. Everything runs smoothly until the adults start wearing a metal colander as their headgear. First Nico’s father, then the mailman, the teacher, and even an influencer. Apparently, the kitchen utensil is able to protect our thoughts from “THEM.” But who them? Something doesn’t add up. So among self-styled preachers and alarmist blogs, the three friends decide to investigate to find out the truth. CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 8+ · HARDCOVER

Federico Appel AUTHOR

CARLOTTA & THE ELECTRIC UNCLE

A Rock’n’Roll Adventure

Guitars, drums, tractors, love: they are all the ingredients for an unpredictable story, full of laughs and rock’n’roll! Carlotta certainly does not imagine the terrible puzzle that’s about to upset her summer! Uncle Arturo, the most dazed musician that exists, takes her on a road trip on a tractor and under the banner of music. The mission? Find all the pieces of the guitar by Big Mama Wolf, the greatest artist of all times. Few clues, characters definitely out of the ordinary, but above all... the “electric” uncle will have told him the whole truth?

Federico Appel illustrated, among many others, Muschio (Il Castoro), winner of the Premio Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi Award in category 6+

CARLOTTA & THE ELECTRIC UNCLE

An Adventure on the High Seas

Carlotta and the Electric Uncle are back with their wacky travels and blaring music!

Together with Alberto the pig and Lidia the goat, Carlotta and Uncle Arturo embark on a new journey on a gigantic ship, in a whirlpool of parties, restaurants, concerts and dances on the high seas. Among the numerous tourists there are also Carlotta’s parents: but what are they doing on board? In addition, Uncle Arturo has lost his mind for the singer of a rival orchestra... The cruise promises to be quite busy!

“Appel confirms himself as a great inventor of stories, always ready to play, witty juggler of words and paradoxical associations.” - Andersen

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 7+ · HARDCOVER

Guia Risari AUTHOR

AnnaLaura Cantone ILLUSTRATOR

A HEN IN MY BACKPACK

The Adventures of Carmen and Orazio

During a trip to a farm with his family, Orazio meets Carmen, a truly special hen: she’s super-smart, good at maths, writes poetry, and... talks! Carmen is fed up with life in the country, so she persuades Orazio to take her home with him. But the problem is keeping her hidden from his parents and his unbearable older brother. It isn’t easy to avoid arousing suspicion, with the fridge full of eggs and feathers stuck in his dad’s hairbrush…

A hilarious comedy of mix-ups with a surprise ending.

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER

14 CM X 19 CM · 112 PAGES · BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS

Guia Risari AUTHOR

AnnaLaura Cantone ILLUSTRATOR

A HEN IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON

The Second Adventure of Carmen and Orazio

Giacomo, Orazio’s best friend, doesn’t like Carmen at all. So, for Giacomo’s birthday, Carmen comes up with the “big plan”: flying over Giacomo’s house in a hot-air balloon with a banner that reads “Happy Birthday Giacomo!”. But Carmen loses control of the balloon and one of the ballast sacks falls out and hits a car that’s about to run over Giacomo, saving him by a whisker. When Giacomo looks up into the sky, however, the hot-air balloon is already far away. Carmen is very upset at the failure of her grand gesture, but Giacomo - who noticed a white feather stuck to the fallen ballast sack - is going to change his attitude towards her.

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER

14 CM X 19 CM · 112 PAGES · BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS

Guia Risari AUTHOR AnnaLaura Cantone ILLUSTRATOR

A HEN IN DEEP WATER

The third adventure of the most hilarious talking hen! Carmen, the prodigious talking hen, would like to attend an animal skills competition, however, she doesn’t feel up to it. No fear! Her friend Orazio is convinced that with a little training, she can become an accomplished acrobat. And indeed... she succeeds to arrive first (tied with the pig Polo and the goat Moira) and goes on the sailing trip up for grabs! But not everything goes right...

CHAPTER BOOK · AGE: 6+ · HARDCOVER

14 CM X 19 CM · 112 PAGES · BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS