Five books from Just Right catalogue have been selected for the IBBY Italia Choice 2024: At Cockrow, written by Fabian Negrin and illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio (Edizioni Corsare, 2024), The Parable of the Independent Bakers, by Neil Packer (Camelozampa, 2024), Little Sailing Manual, by Sara Stefanini (Camelozampa, 2023), Beastian, written by Bruno Tognolini and illustrated by Alice Baladan (Gruppo Abele edizioni, 2023), Recherche, by Marianna Bruno (ideestortepaper, 2023).
The full list showcases 65 remarkable Italian children’s books published in 2023 and 2024. Inspired by the theme “Literature as a Driver of Change”, following the 39th World Congress of IBBY held in Trieste, the selection emphasises the importance of literature in enhancing the lives of children and adolescents.
The IBBY Italia Choice was announced during Italy’s participation as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurter Buchmesse, supported by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and AIE.
Here are the five titles that have garnered IBBY’s attention, along with the reasons behind their selection for the list. Check them out, along with our latest Just Right rights guide.
AT COCKCROW
Written by Fabian Negrin, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio
Edizioni Corsare, 2024
This whimsical and thought-provoking fairy tale tackles the absurdity of war and the desire for peace, it navigates around absurd laws and their consequences.
“In this extensive picture book, Negrin delivers a poetic, evocative text and Di Giorgio swathes us in a theatre of light and shadow. Both authors adopt styles that embrace classical and modern”.
THE PARABLE OF THE INDEPENDENT BAKERS
Written and illustrated by Neil Packer
Camelozampa, 2024
A celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, this book is dedicated to those who resist the tide of homogenization. With beautiful allegorical illustrations and clever storytelling, multi-awarded author and illustrator Neil Packer offers an insight on the themes of gentrification and globalisation.
“Rather than a moralistic tale, this beautifully crafted book offers food for thought on the significance of what’s happening in the world and what it means to rebel in the present day”.
LITTLE SAILING MANUAL
Written and illustrated by Sara Stefanini
Camelozampa, 2024
This picture book consists of 12 vibrant plates that explore themes of navigation, growth, and adaptability. It emphasises the essential role of guidance in both sailing as it happens in life, presenting the manual with an approach that encourages awareness and readiness for change.
“It conveys how vital it is to have a guide and education to navigate the seas, which like life require being prepared to cope with the unexpected and be ready to change tack. That guide must always be an experienced individual”.
BESTIAN
Written by Bruno Tognolini, illustrated by Alicia Baladan
Edizioni Gruppo Abele, 2023
This science fiction tale begins innocently within a family and classroom setting, gradually revealing a transformative event that transcends the ordinary. The unexpected shift transforms the narrative from small-scale life to grand themes affecting the entire planet.
“Bruno Tognolini’s elegant prose and Alicia Baladan’s astute visual work come together beautifully. Everybody knows that events narrated in illustrated science fiction stories are yet to occur… but they could happen”.
RECHERCHE
Written and illustrated by Marianna Bruno
Ideestortepaper, 2023
Exploring the mountains from a unique perspective, this book delves into myths, folklore, religions, traditions, and spirituality. Marianna Bruno invites readers to connect with the mystical and profound spiritual elements that are intertwined with the mysterious nature of the mountainous landscape itself.
“Suitable for all ages, this book reveals how, in their quest for the sacred, many people around the world have chosen to look up… and see the mountains”.