
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 Eva Montanari!
About the Author:
EVA MONTANARI was born in Rimini, five minutes away from the sea. She has always loved reading and has been inventing her own stories for as long as she can remember. Using traditional techniques – pencil, chalk, oil and acrylics – she creates playful tableaux populated with endearing characters. Since 2000, her books have been published all over the world, and her work has been featured in many exhibitions such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators’ Exhibition, the Original Art Show at the New York Society of Illustrators, the Sarmede International Illustration exhibition, the Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival and the Sharjah Book Fair.
Fast Five with Eva Montanari:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I’d say in Barcelona. Now that I live in Milano I miss the seaside a lot. But to be honest, I really like exploring, so if I lived in Barcelona, maybe I’d wish to be somewhere else.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A hug!
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast, I think. I cannot start my day without it!
What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?
I really like swing music but when I was young and growing up in Rimini, a city full of nightclubs, I used to dance to house music a lot.
What is your best birthday memory?
As a child, I used to celebrate my birthday in my grandmother’s apartment. My parents, who are pastry chefs, would prepare a huge cake and we all wore carnival costumes even if the birthday wasn’t carnival-themed. Once, my mum made me a Cleopatra costume with a gold (plastic) snake on my head! I think the preparation of everything and how my mother got us involved was one of the best parts of birthday parties!
Books by Eva:

What Does Little Crocodile Say?
By Eva Montanari
40 Pages | Ages 2-5 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735268135 | Tundra Books
What sounds does the Little Crocodile hear on the first day of preschool?
The alarm clock goes ring, ring
The car goes vroom vroom
The elephant says peekaboo
The drum goes rat-a-tat
The food goes nom nom nom
And the crocodile says . . . WAHHHH!
In this charming book of sounds, a little crocodile experiences the highs and lows of preschool, ultimately enjoying their day . . . after a small meltdown, of course! Little ones will delight in the adorable illustrations and fun read-aloud, and parents will delight in the sly humor and familiar emotional rollercoaster of a toddler’s day.
What Does Little Crocodile Say at the Park?
By Eva Montanari
40 Pages | Ages 2-5 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735268159 | Tundra Books
What sounds does Little Crocodile hear on a trip to the park?
Grandma says “Sweet Pea!”
The pigeons go flap, flap
The dandelion goes pffff
The chatter goes chit chat
The merry-go-round goes wheee
And the crocodile says . . . WAHHHH!
In this charming book of sounds, Little Crocodile visits the park with Grandma and Grandpa and experiences being left out, kindness and independence, ultimately enjoying their day . . . after a small meltdown, of course! Little ones will delight in the adorable illustrations and fun read-aloud, and parents will delight in the sly humor and familiar emotional rollercoaster of a toddler’s day.
What Does Little Crocodile Say At the Beach?
By Eva Montanari
40 Pages | Ages 2-5 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774881552 | Tundra Books
What sounds does Little Crocodile hear on a trip to the beach?
The sunscreen goes squirt
The wave goes splash
The fish goes blub
The seagulls go ark, ark
The watch goes tick, tock
And the crocodile says . . . WAHHHH!
In this charming book of sounds, Little Crocodile goes camping and visits the beach with Big Crocodile and experiences sand, sun, independence and play, ultimately enjoying their day . . . after a small meltdown, of course! Little ones will delight in the adorable illustrations and fun read-aloud, and parents will delight in the sly humor and familiar emotional rollercoaster of a toddler’s day.
What Does Little Crocodile Say At the Birthday Party?
By Eva Montanari
40 Pages | Ages 2-5 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774881576 | Tundra Books
What sounds does Little Crocodile hear at their own birthday party?
The decorations go whirr whirr
The band goes ooom pa pa
The wish goes whoosh
The cameras go click
The balloon goes pop
And the crocodile says . . . WAHHHH!
In this charming book of sounds, Little Crocodile experiences the highs and lows of a birthday with friends and family, ultimately enjoying their day . . . after a small meltdown, of course! Little ones will delight in the adorable illustrations and fun read-aloud, and parents will delight in the sly humor and familiar emotional rollercoaster of a toddler’s day.