Nicoletta Costa is a legendary Italian picture book artist.
Creator of more than 500 children’s books, she has shaped children’s imagination with iconic characters like Giulio the Rabbit, Olga the Cloud and many more. Her deceptively simple style can create wonderful and vivid worlds, while her heart-warming stories speak of friendship, kindness, solidarity and overcoming difficulties.
Born in Trieste, where she lives and works, Nicoletta Costa graduated in Architecture in Venice in 1978 and began her career as an illustrator and author a few years later. In her works she shows her unique ability to express children’s point of view and tell stories that are both inspiring and uplifting, beloved by generations of Italian children. Her books have sold around 2 million copies and have been turned into TV series, shows and games. She has received numerous awards, including the Andersen Prize as best author. In 2023 she received the Bettoni Lifetime Achievement Award. Her books have been published by several international publishers. She has worked with UNICEF to illustrate Christmas cards, toys and books and has been the designer of various clothing lines for Benetton babies. She has collaborated with Illustrabimbi for a new clothing line inspired by her illustrations.
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Olga the Cloud and Grey
Olga meets Grey, a little cloud who is very excited to go flying with her. But there’s a problem: Grey can’t control himself and keeps dropping hail—on flowers, on cats, on rooftops, even on poor Mrs Emma! Scolded by Ugo the Little Bird, Grey bursts into tears, until Olga finds a clever solution: her bandana becomes a nappy to keep…
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Olga the Cloud and the Squirrel
One autumn afternoon, cheeky Tito the Squirrel leaps onto Olga the Cloud while she’s napping. He asks her to take him on an adventure, and together they fly over the sea, visit the mountains Bianca and Rosetta, soar above the rooftops of the city, and water the thirsty sunflowers. But when the Grey Cloud Aunties bring a heavy downpour, poor…
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Olga the Cloud and the Mountain
Rosetta is a beautiful mountain, dressed in green trees and wearing a snowy white hat. She and Olga the Cloud are the best of friends. One night, Olga and Ugo the Little Bird stay over at Rosetta’s, and the Moon reads them a bedtime story. But when the Sun rises, Rosetta’s snowy hat begins to melt in the heat! Olga…
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Olga the Cloud Goes to the Funfair
Olga, Gino and their friend Lalla set off for a magical night at the funfair. There’s candyfloss with Mr Kite, a shooting game with Patrizio the Rocket, a dizzy ride with Sonia the Star, and fritters baked by Giovanna the Moon. Lalla tries her luck at the fishing game, they explore the enchanted castle, and whizz down a giant rainbow-coloured…
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Olga the Cloud and the Wind
It’s a blustery day, and the mischievous Wind won’t leave poor Olga the Cloud alone. Wherever she tries to hide—in the branches of a tree, among the mountains, or with her plump, grey aunties—the Wind finds her and blows her away. At last, a kind girl named Ann opens her window and shelters Olga from the storm. After a cosy…
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Olga the Cloud and the Snow
In summer, Olga the Cloud sprinkles just a little rain, sometimes even on Raimondo the Cat when he misbehaves. In autumn, when the Sun goes on holiday, the showers grow heavier. The children long to splash in puddles—but they’re not allowed. Then, just before Christmas, little Leo makes a special request: “Please, please, Olga, make it snow!” It isn’t easy,…
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Olga the Cloud and the Sun
One morning, the Sun wakes up feeling unwell—pale, dizzy, and soon covered in red spots. The little birds are worried, and even the Doctor confirms it: the Sun has chickenpox! He doesn’t want to take his medicine, and hides under the covers, until help arrives from unexpected friends. Giovanna the Moon encourages him, and Olga the Cloud brings a gentle,…
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Goodnight, Olga the Cloud
Olga the Cloud has had a busy day—teasing the Sun, tickling a mountain, soaking a cat! But when night falls, finding the right place to sleep is not so easy: the Sun snores, the Moon sings, the Stars dance, and even the trees are occupied. Luckily, two kind little birds take Olga back home to her mummy. A tender and…
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Olga the Cloud
Meet Olga, a small white cloud who just wants to find the perfect place to sleep and to share her rain. But wherever she drifts — over the moon, a cat, a hen with her chicks, or a field of sunflowers — no one seems to want her around. Only when she joins other clouds does Olga discover the joy…
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The Cricketts – I Am All Alone, I Come From Far Away
Kindness is the absolute protagonist of this 4-books series by legendary Italian picture book artist Nicoletta Costa: meet the Crickett family as they set out on amazing adventures, get rescued by friendly strangers, welcome new residents in their happy community. Little Ciacco, together with his family, has left to go live in another country, where dad will find a new…
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The Cricketts – Franz Ant Makes New Friends
Kindness is the absolute protagonist of this 4-books series by legendary Italian picture book artist Nicoletta Costa: meet the Crickett family as they set out on amazing adventures, get rescued by friendly strangers, welcome new residents in their happy community. Franz Ant has to leave because his home has been destroyed by a storm. After long days of walking, he…
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The Crickett Family Goes on a Trip
Kindness is the absolute protagonist of this 4-books series by legendary Italian picture book artist Nicoletta Costa: meet the Crickett family as they set out on amazing adventures, get rescued by friendly strangers, welcome new residents in their happy community. The Crickett family takes a trip to the river. The little crickets have a great time. But then, big clouds…
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The Crickett Family
Kindness is the absolute protagonist of this 4-books series by legendary Italian picture book artist Nicoletta Costa: meet the Crickett family as they set out on amazing adventures, get rescued by friendly strangers, welcome new residents in their happy community. The Crickett family lives in an apartment building with kind and friendly neighbours who are always willing to help. Dad…
