Simona Ciraolo is a Sardinian-born author and illustrator whose witty and endearing tales recently won her the Sebastian Walker Award. Ciraolo studied animation at the National Film School in Turin, Italy, before moving to the UK where she undertook an MA in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. She has also worked as a freelance 2D animator for children's TV shows and illustrated five picture books for an independent Italian publisher.
Gorgeous, muted illustrations show an entrancing variety of sea life, and the personalities of each creature carry the story [...] A feast for the eyes. * Kirkus Reviews * Ciraolo's palette is bright and her line is supple; she makes shyness seem downright fashionable. * Publishers Weekly * Chipmunk leaves his mother and boards a bus to his future. On the bus he makes a variety of new friends in this celebration of the small moments. -- The Bookseller's Children's Previews The soft whimsical illustrations draw you in (...)The pages are filled with gorgeous nature illustrations and the sweetest animals. * @milo_and_gigis_bookshelf on Instagram * This book is an incredibly beautiful piece of artwork - the illustrations are gorgeous and I adore the colour tones. * @posies_book_club on Instagram * A heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book about making friends, taking the first steps towards independence, and appreciating the small moments in life. * @littlelibraryowl on Instagram * Well worth a read if you are looking for a peaceful, meaningful bedtime story. -- @literate.littles on Instagram Such a heart melting book, we want to be friends with Mino, we think you will love him just as much as us. -- @shelfeditions on Instagram The soft pastel colour palette used by Simona Ciraolo is delightful. Subtly detailed with a beautiful nod to nature and gorgeous endpapers. -- @raising_bookworms on Instagram A wonderful occasion with lovely writers and illustrators in one of London's most magical children's bookstores. * @sienaslittlelibrary on Instagram * What matters most in Simona's uplifting story so enchantingly illustrated, are the small moments the friends have shared, those are the ones they will remember and cherish. * Red Reading Hub *