At Tundra Books, we want you to get to know and love our authors as much as you know and love their books. Our creator spotlight series will introduce you to the people behind some of your favorite titles . . . this week, say hello to Bruno Valasse!
About the Creator:
BRUNO VALASSE was born in Mexico City and moved to the United Kingdom, where he studied the Children’s Books Illustration MA at Anglia Ruskin, Cambridge. He is passionate about printmaking, handcrafts and mid-century graphics, and graduated from the Children’s Book Illustration MA at the Cambridge School of Arts in 2022. He teaches illustration at Centro university in Mexico. Shine is his debut picture book.
Fast Five with Bruno Valasse:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I have lived in places I love, such as Cambridge and Bra. But I would definitely be tempted to live some time in the Scottish Highlands or the outer Hebrides!
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Maybe it’s two things: a long cycle ride and seeing how photos turned out when developing film.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Definitely a long and lazy breakfast with friends or family after cycling.
What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?
It’s singing rather than dancing, but “This Charming Man” by The Smiths and “Reach a Bit Further” by Wild Beasts always make me want to have a band again!
What is your favorite insect?
Well, moths, of course! Although bees score pretty high too.
Books by Bruno Valasse:
Shine
By Bruno Valasse
32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774884287 | Tundra Books
A little moth hides from the dark, and doesn’t want to leave his bright and cozy home. But here’s a secret: he loves watching the stars. They only come out at night, though . . . when it’s dark outside. One night, the stars give the moth the courage to go outside into the night. There, he makes friends with other creatures who are also afraid of the dark, and they play and sparkle under the stars. But will a dangerous encounter with a group of hungry frogs drive the moth back inside? Or will it encourage him to create his own light in the darkness? Inspired by the author’s own childhood memories of being afraid of the dark but drawn to the beauty of the night sky, Shine is a gorgeous debut picture book which will encourage readers to be their authentic selves . . . and glow!