Spiky
Written and Illustrated by Ilari Gurducci
Translated by Laura Watkinson
July 1, 2019
Amazon Crossing Kids / Two Lions
When Spiky loses his spikes, he must learn to share his softer side.
Spiky lives in the dark of the forest, where he spends his days being very, very bad, bullying the other forest creatures and sharpening the spikes on his body. Those spikes are handy for keeping everybody at a distance, and that’s just how Spiky likes it! But then one day the unthinkable happens: Spiky starts losing his spikes! Soon he is left looking as soft and as pink as a soft, pink marshmallow. What will Spiky do, now that he can no longer scare away the other forest creatures? Will he have to (gulp!) make friends? It’s a good thing Bernardo the bunny comes along to show him how it’s done.
First published in Italy, this charming story of friendship will have children giggling until the very end.
Spiky is the first release from Amazon Crossing Kids, a new imprint for children’s books in translation. Amazon Crossing Kids aims to increase the diversity of children’s books in translation and encourage young reading from a range of cultural perspectives.
Spiky, all covered in spikes, is very good at being very bad. Scaring the creatures in the dark, dark forest is Spiky’s favorite thing to do. But one day, Spiky begins to lose his terrifying spikes, until he’s left with a spikeless, pink, soft body. Can Spiky learn to adapt without his spikes? Will his new soft body bring out a softer side of this prickly fella?
Ilaria Guarducci’s Spiky is an amusing, heartfelt picture book with an unforgettable antagonist turned protagonist and an important message. Little readers will be captivated by the often laugh-out-loud story, as they join Spiky in the dark, dark forest and watch his wicked deeds turn into uplifting experiences and sweet life lessons. The detailed, colorful illustrations bring this humorous story to life perfectly with their lively and engaging vibes and delightfully rendered characters.
With its just enough snark and bite humor, wonderfully whimsical illustrations, and an irresistibly endearing title character, Spiky is a wickedly fun delight!
Ilaria Guarducci studied at the Nemo NT Academy of Digital Arts. Since 2012, she has worked as a freelance author and illustrator for various publishing houses and advertising agencies. She has written and/or illustrated seven children's books. Spiky, published in Italy under the title Spino, was shortlisted for the Soligatto Award for Best Picture Book. Ilaria lives with her family in Prato, Italy. Learn more at www.ilariaguarducci.blogspot.com.
Laura Watkinson is an award-winning translator of books for young readers and adults. She translated Soldier Bear and Mikis and the Donkey, both by Bibi Dumon Tak and illustrated by Philip Hopman, and Mister Orange by Truus Matti, all of which won the Batchelder Award. Additionally, her Dutch-to-English translation of The Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt won the Vondel Prize. Originally from the United Kingdom, she now lives in a tall house on a canal in Amsterdam with her husband and two cats. Learn more at www.laurawatkinson.com.
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I adore reading friendship stories and this one sounds unique from others.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds charming! What an unusual character!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a funny story of friendship. Spiky sounds like a good character.
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a cute & fun book.
ReplyDelete