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 toBruno 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!
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 toAnna Pirolli!
About the Creator:
ANNA PIROLLI was born in Genoa and moved to Milan to study illustration at the European Institute of Design. She has worked as a freelance illustrator and art director for companies such as Mondadori, Pearson, Vogue, MTV, Kinder Ferrero, Nickelodeon, Disney and others, following the creative process from concept to creation. She’s also a visiting professor at the Accademia di Brera, where she teaches design applied to the arts.
Fast Five with Anna Pirolli:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I love the mountains very much even though I was born in a seaside place. In northern Italy, in a valley of the Dolomites, there is a small village where I went for a long time as a child. Right on the edge of the old town, next to a path that climbs up the mountain, there is a small white house that has been uninhabited for years with a meadow in front and a fir forest behind it. In my dreams that is a place where I would like to live … but in real life, I’m very happy where I live!
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A handful of olives, or a cat named Micci Fiore who arrived from nowhere a few years ago at my parents’ country house. I love animals but I have formed a special relationship with her and, even though she may make you smile, I consider her my guru.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Definitely breakfast! Working at home I need to at least go out during breaks or at the beginning of the day. I love going to a small pastry shop in my neighborhood with my partner: we each read our own book, sip a good cappuccino, and eat a croissant. This simple ritual puts me in a good mood. Then I’m ready to go home to work!
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A concert that is repeated every year from June to September: the concert for crickets in C minor! It’s free and there are lots of unexpected places to listen to it.
If you’re talking about more “traditional” concerts, it was the third time I went to see a Japanese KodÅ drum company. The emotion is so great, the vibrations of the drums literally make you get up from your seat with joy.
What is your favorite thing to draw?
Feet, cats, plants, shoes, and sometimes architecture . . . the truth is that if they are in the right arrangement I like to draw everything. It always depends on the thoughts that go around in your head: if the thoughts are “good”, anything is interesting. If they are “bad” or full of fears, even drawing a cute little mouse becomes a nightmare. Ultimately, the true work of an illustrator is precisely this: keeping oneself open to enchantment!
Books by Anna Pirolli:
There Are No Ants in This Book Written by Rosemary Mosco Illustrated by Anna Pirolli 40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774881163 | Tundra Books Nothing can ruin a picnic faster than a bunch of ants. It’s a good thing there are no ants in this book . . . well, maybe there’s only one. Or two. . . . Or ten?? Maybe it’s not so bad. Ants are kind of cool, after all – especially the ones with amazing butts, like the Acrobat Ant that waves its back end around to scare off enemies. Or the Slender Leaf Ant that can glide through the air. Or the Dinosaur Ant, which is the biggest ant in the world! Okay, so a picnic with ants is actually lots of fun! But what if an anteater also wants to join the picnic?
Anonymouse Written by Vikki VanSickle Illustrated by Anna Pirolli 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735263949 | Tundra Books Art for the birds. Art for the ants. Art for the dogs, cats and raccoons. Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home. But who is creating it? Only Anonymouse knows for sure . . . This clever tale mixes street art, animals and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature’s spirit – human or animal – when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli’s stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of color and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle’s subtle but evocative text.
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 Cale Atkinson!
About the Author:
CALE ATKINSON is an illustrator, writer and animator living lakeside with his family in Kelowna, British Columbia, whose books include Sir Simon: Super Scarer, Where Oliver Fits, Monsters 101, Unicorns 101, Simon and Chester: Super Detectives! and Simon and Chester: Super Sleepover!, to name a few. Cale is assisted in his artistic endeavors by Charlie, a wise and noble floof.
Fast Five with Cale Atkinson:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
While I love traveling and seeing amazing places all over the world, I think I would still choose to live in Canada. Perhaps on one of the gulf islands in BC where I would have the lovely forest and ocean out my window. Also there would be a working teleporter that would allow me to instantly travel to wherever I pleased.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Being around friends that make me laugh, while also snuggling my furry companion, Charlie.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
I think dinner rules my world, because that’s when pizza and pasta enter the scene. Sure, those things also show up sometimes at lunch, but usually as the lesser leftovers.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
My best concert was possibly Radiohead back in 2001 or maybe Muse back in 2004 at a small venue in Vancouver.
What qualities do you look for in a best friend (or a best frenemy)?
There are traits from both Simon and Chester that I look for in my friends. They need to be sassy but caring. Loyal but honest. Silly but supportive. And above all else a little bit weird . . . like me.
Books by Cale Atkinson:
Super Detectives: Simon and Chester #1 By Cale Atkinson 64 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9780735267640 | Tundra Books Welcome to the world of Simon and Chester, ghost and boy duo extraordinaire. They like to kick butt and take names. They don’t like chores. They are best friends. And they are about to solve the mystery of a lifetime. (Oh, and eat some snacks probably.) Join Simon and Chester in their first adventure, and fall in love with this hilarious odd couple by fan favorite author and illustrator Cale Atkinson.
Super Sleepover: Simon and Chester #2 By Cale Atkinson 88 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9780735267657 | Tundra Books Welcome to the world of Simon and Chester, ghost and boy duo extraordinaire. They like to kick butt and take names. They don’t like chores. They are best friends. And they are about to hit Chester’s VERY FIRST SLEEPOVER. (Oh, and eat some snacks probably.) Join Simon and Chester in their second adventure, and fall in love with this hilarious odd couple by fan favorite author and illustrator Cale Atkinson.
Super Family: Simon and Chester #3 By Cale Atkinson 96 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9781774880005 | Tundra Books Welcome to the world of Simon and Chester, ghost and boy duo extraordinaire. Chester lives with his Grandma, his cat Mr. Pickles and Simon the ghost. Lately Chester has been feeling like he’s missing out when he sees other families out doing fun family things. So when Chester gets the opportunity to join his friend Amie and her family on a trip to the water park, he is IN. Meanwhile, Simon is off to his yearly ghost conference, excited to finally have something to show off about (haunting his VERY OWN HOUSE, for example) to the cool ghosts. Maybe they’ll even accept him into their group! Will things go as planned? Well, let’s put it this way: both Simon and Chester are about to learn a thing or two about the old saying “The grass is always greener . . .”
Super Friends: Simon and Chester #4 By Cale Atkinson 152 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9781774880036 | Tundra Books Welcome to the world of Simon and Chester, ghost and boy duo extraordinaire. Chester lives with his Grandma, his cat Mr. Pickles and Simon the ghost. Simon and Chester are best friends. Their attic is the location for some of the best activities known to humankind: making up songs about passersby, acting out scenes from Simon’s exciting Dr. Darington novels and creating the incredible Treat-A-Matic snack dispenser. But Chester has also befriended a non-ghost named Amie, and she is coming over to work on their science fair project. Amie has a surprising idea for this project, and Simon and Chester’s friendship will be put to the test as a result. Will Simon behave? Will Amie come between the two friends? Will an invisible Simon make fart noises that Chester has to explain? All will be revealed . . .
Super Frenemies: Simon and Chester #5 By Cale Atkinson 176 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Paperback ISBN 9781774880067 | Tundra Books The worst has happened: Chester has been sucked up by a ghost trap in an attempt to save his best friend Simon, who is a ghost. Chester’s school friend, Amie, blames Simon – after all, if Chester wasn’t trying to save him, he wouldn’t have been sucked up. And Simon blames Amie – after all, if Amie’s dad wasn’t a ghost hunter, there wouldn’t be a trap there in the first place. But these two sworn enemies are going to have to work together to save Chester before the containment unit is emptied . . . into the void! Will they save him in time? Will they change their minds about each other? Will Chester make some new ghoul friends while he’s trapped? Read on to find out . . .
Sir Simon: Super Scarer By Cale Atkinson 48 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Paperback ISBN 9781774880395 | Tundra Books Meet Sir Simon, Super Scarer. He’s a professional ghost who has been transferred to his first house. And to top it off, this house is occupied by an old lady – they’re the easiest to haunt! But things don’t go as planned when it turns out a KID comes with this old lady. Chester spots Simon immediately and peppers him with questions. Simon is exasperated. . . until he realizes he can trick Chester into doing his ghost chores. After a long night of haunting, it seems that maybe Chester isn’t cut out to be a ghost, so Simon decides to help with Chester’s human chores. Turns out Simon isn’t cut out for human chores either. But maybe they’re both cut out to be friends . . .
Unicorns 101 By Cale Atkinson 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735265431 | Tundra Books The unicorn is the most noble and beautiful of all the beasts. Colorful and shiny coats, luscious manes that smell of cinnamon, sparkly hooves. But not much was known about this fascinating species . . . until now. Top professors working in the field of Unicorn Science have come together for the first time to create this comprehensive guide to the unicorn: Dr. Glitter Pants, Grand Unistorian; Dr. Sprinkle Steed, Doctor of Magic; Dr. Star Hoof, Rainbowmetrics Specialist; and Dr. Sugar Beard, Certified Hornologist. These highly trained scientists will reveal all of the secrets you’ve been dying to find out: What is a unicorn’s horn made of? Why do I never see unicorns? What do unicorns like to eat? And what do unicorn homes look like? (Hint: there are guard’n gnomes, a ball pit and gummi bears growing on trees.) This book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about unicorns – and more. But please, handle with care, or you may be seeing sparkles for weeks.
Monsters 101 By Cale Atkinson 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735267084 | Tundra Books Readers who loved Unicorns 101 will love this laugh-out-loud picture book that finally sets the record straight about monsters! They’re so much more than just that scary thing under your bed. Join Professors Vampire, Blob and Werewolf, and their trusty lab assistant – a zombie named Tina – as they reveal eerie and frankly ridiculous monsters facts never uttered outside a crypt! Full of eye-popping illustrations and a story with nonstop sidesplitting laughs, plus a removable Professor of Monstrology diploma at the end of the book, Monsters 101 will have children – and adults – eager to enroll, time and time again!
Where Oliver Fits By Cale Atkinson 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781101919071 | Tundra Books Oliver has always dreamed about where he will fit. Will he be in the mane of a unicorn? The tentacle of a pirate squid? The helmet of an astronaut? When he finally goes in search of his perfect place, he finds that trying to fit in is a lot harder than he thought. But like any puzzle, a little trial and error leads to a solution, and Oliver figures out exactly where he belongs. Where Oliver Fits is a sweet and funny story that explores all the highs and lows of learning to be yourself and shows that fitting in isn’t always the best fit . . .
If I Had a Gryphon By Vikki VanSickle Illustrated by Cale Atkinson 32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Paperback ISBN 9781774880913 | Tundra Books Sam just got a hamster for a pet. But the hamster is kind of boring . . . he just eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. Inspired by her book of mythological creatures, Sam longs for a more exciting pet. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she thought. Sasquatches are messy, unicorns are shy, hippogriffs scare the dogs at the dog park, and having a fire extinguisher handy at all times makes dragons seem like an awful lot of work. In the end, Sam realizes that her hamster is a pretty sweet and safe pet . . . or is he? If I Had a Gryphon is a raucous rhyming read-aloud about fantastical beasts in everyday situations – and the increasingly beleaguered heroine who has to deal with them.
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold By Maureen Fergus Illustrated by Cale Atkinson 32 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Paperback ISBN 9780735268708 | Tundra Books Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn’t think he’s real. He WANTS to believe in Harold – after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas. Getting Harold’s letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer . . . what would Christmas be without that? But Santa’s just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold’s not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists . . . with hilarious consequences.
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 Rosemary Mosco!
About the Author:
ROSEMARY MOSCO makes books, articles, cartoons and graphics that connect people with the natural world. Her nature comics were the subject of an award-winning museum exhibit and are collected in a book that was a 2019 ALA Great Graphic Novel for Teens. She co-wrote the New York Times bestseller The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid. She speaks at birding festivals and nature centers and writes for Audubon.
Fast Five with Rosemary Mosco:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I would live in a treehouse up in a tall, tall tree. I’d watch birds nesting right outside my window and porcupines chewing on bark. It would be fun to use a zipline to get down to the ground. I’d get back up with a solar powered elevator.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Any time I come across a snake, my day is better right away.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast! It’s sort of like dessert. I love that you can eat muffins (which are basically cupcakes) and smoothies (which are basically milkshakes) and pancakes (which are basically cake).
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? or What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?
There’s a DJ I love called Kid Koala. He mixes together different songs and does amazing things with a bunch of turntables all at once. His shows have all been amazing. They really get me dancing. But my “dance like nobody’s watching” song is “All the Single Ladies” by Beyonce because it’s my parrot’s favorite song and she loves to groove to it.
What’s your favorite critter (insect, animal, etc.)?
There Are No Ants in This Book Written by Rosemary Mosco Illustrated by Anna Pirolli 40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774881163 | Tundra Books Nothing can ruin a picnic faster than a bunch of ants. It’s a good thing there are no ants in this book . . . well, maybe there’s only one. Or two . . . . Or ten?? Maybe it’s not so bad. Ants are kind of cool, after all – especially the ones with amazing butts, like the Acrobat Ant that waves its back end around to scare off enemies. Or the Slender Leaf Ant that can glide through the air. Or the Dinosaur Ant, which is the biggest ant in the world! Okay, so a picnic with ants is actually lots of fun! But what if an anteater also wants to join the picnic?
Butterflies Are Pretty . . . Gross! Written by Rosemary Mosco Illustrated by Jacob Souva 36 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735265929 | Tundra Books Butterflies are beautiful and quiet and gentle and sparkly . . . but that’s not the whole truth. Butterflies can be GROSS. And one butterfly in particular is here to let everyone know! Talking directly to the reader, a monarch butterfly reveals how its kind is so much more than what we think. Did you know some butterflies enjoy feasting on dead animals, rotten fruit, tears, and even poop? Some butterflies are loud, like the Cracker butterfly. Some are stinky – the smell scares predators away. Butterflies can be sneaky, like the ones who pretend to be ants to get free babysitting. This hilarious and refreshing book with silly and sweet illustrations explores the science of butterflies and shows that these insects are not the stereotypically cutesy critters we often think they are – they are fascinating, disgusting, complicated, and amazing creatures.
Expedition Backyard By Rosemary Mosco and Binglin Hu 128 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9780593127346 | Random House Graphic Each day, Mole and Vole venture out into the world – never forgetting their nature journal! – to see what they can find in their own backyard. From pigeons and jumping spiders to swamp milkweed and maple trees, these two explorers get to know every part of their local environment. But after an accidental move from the country to the city, Mole and Vole worry that everything will be different. As they explore, they discover plants to look at and animals to meet in their new home as well. The story of these two best friends brings to life a nonfiction adventure of finding wonder in nature everywhere – no matter where you live. This book concludes with fun activities for kids to do at home.
Flowers Are Pretty . . . Weird! Written by Rosemary Mosco Illustrated by Jacob Souva 36 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover ISBN 9780735265943 | Tundra Books Flowers are beautiful. They have bright colors, soft petals and sweet nectar. Yum! But that’s not the whole truth. Flowers can be WEIRD . . . and one bee is here to let everyone know! Talking directly to the reader, a bee reveals how flowers are so much stranger than what we think. Did you know that there are some flowers that only bloom in the nighttime? Some flowers are spooky, and look like ghosts, or bats, or a monster’s mouth. And while most flowers smell good, there are some that smell like dead meat, or even horse poop! This hilarious and refreshing book with silly and sweet illustrations explores the science of flowers and shows that these plants are not always stereotypically pretty and harmless as we often think they are – they are fascinating, disgusting, complicated and amazing.
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 Alexandra Finkeldey!
About the Author:
ALEXANDRA FINKELDEY is an illustrator based in Ottawa, Canada. Her art is focused on noticing and capturing the small, pleasant details of daily life, featuring organic subjects and natural textures, and she has illustrated several picture books, including When the Storks Came Home, Talala: The Curious Leopard Cub Who Joined a Lion Pride, Saving the Spotted Owl, and The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale.
Fast Five with Alexandra Finkeldey:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
One day, I would love to try living in the country. A wooden cabin in the woods or in the mountains, preferably near a lake (I love to swim). I’ve only ever lived in cities. While I absolutely adore the pace and comforts of city life, I fantasize about living a slower life, surrounded by nature. Maybe when I’m older!
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Going outside. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, I can usually lift my spirits by going for a walk around my neighborhood. Lately, I’ve been going for walks without music or a podcast playing in my ears. This helps me pay attention to my surroundings, which include birds, neighbors, pets, gardens, and nature sounds. It feels good to move my body, and it helps me to calm down. As a bonus: I usually get a lot of new ideas for drawings and paintings!
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Lunch! Cooking is one of my favorite activities, and lunch is when I feel most creative and energized. And, since I work from home, I’m able to take my time to make something nice and nourishing (usually involving lots of veggies). While I’m eating, I like to call family and friends. It’s nice to hear their voices and have company while I eat.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
The best concert I’ve ever been to was Fleet Foxes, here in Ottawa, Canada. They are one of my favorite bands! I was lucky to see them in a very small, cozy setting. They played a local music festival on a small stage. It was the middle of summer and the weather was perfect. At one point, the lead singer, Robin Pecknold, sang one song on his own (just his voice and his guitar). The audience was silent as stone. It was such a special experience.
What do you like to do outdoors?
I often say that my favorite thing to do outdoors is: “walk around and look at stuff”. I like to pay close attention to all types of life outside. For me, paying attention looks like birdwatching, mushroom foraging, identifying plants, sketching landscapes, taking photos of trees . . . the list goes on! I also love hiking, camping, gardening, and swimming in lakes and rivers. Since I live in Ontario, Canada, I’m lucky to have access to many natural areas. If you ever see me sitting still and silently outside, I promise I’m not bored. I’m soaking up the sights and sounds, gathering inspiration, and feeling so much gratitude for this beautiful planet.
Books by Alexandra Finkeldey:
On a Mushroom Day Written by Chris Baker Illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey 40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover ISBN 9781774882580 | Tundra Books A mushroom day is a day of exploring together and discovering some of the most incredible lifeforms on earth: fungi. In this lyrical, informational picture book structured around a walk through a summertime wood, a child and their caregiver share the sights, sounds and smells of the forest as they observe and identify different varieties of mushrooms. On a Mushroom Day encourages curiosity and a love of fungi in young children and normalizes safe, chaperoned joyful exploration of the fungal queendom all around us. Filled with fun, fascinating fungi facts and a visual catalogue of mushroom species so that kids can enjoy their very own mushroom day in the pages of this book!
