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Fran Nuo was born in Bilbao in 1973 but lives in Seville, Spain. He is a writer, cultural promoter, and bookseller-editor. Author of some forty published books, almost all of them children's literature, among which there are novels, stories, poetry, theater pieces, manuals and picture books. He has received several awards and mentions, both for his literary work and for his work in favor of reading. He won the Gold Medal for Best Illustrated Album in Spanish at the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards 2013 for Fairground Lights (Cuento de Luz) was awarded Best illustrated album for all ages at the New York City Big Book Award 2017 for The Map of Good Memories (Cuento de Luz). His work has been translated into Galician, Valencian, Catalan, English, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin, and Korean. Of Polish origin, award-winning illustrator Zuzanna Celej has a BA Honours in Fine Arts from the University of Barcelona and majored in Illustration at the Llotja Art School in Barcelona. He has specialized in illustration, fine art photography, and printmaking. She is currently mainly dedicated to the publishing world with more than 50 titles inside and outside the country. Her work has been exhibited in Spain, France, England, Italy, Poland, and the United States. She has been recognized with national and international awards, including the New York City Big Book Award for Best Illustrated Album, The Map of Good Memories (Cuento de luz, 2016). She combines illustration projects with teaching Plastic Arts in several cultural venues and in his own studio, as well as running workshops in Art Schools Masters.
One of the Most Anticipated Spring/Summer 2017 Books - School Library Journal This deceptively simple tale follows Zoe, a young girl forced by war to flee the city she loves with her family and take refuge in another country. The night before she leaves, Zoe sits down with a map of the city and marks her favorite places. As she does, she lovingly reminisces about each one, drawing readers into her happiest memories. Zoe then connects the scattered points with a red pencil and forms the letters of her name. This brings her comfort, and as she prepares to leave her home, she knows that she will forever carry her memories with her. The unnamed city appears to be European, and for the most part, the narrative is suspended in time; only an illustration of a movie theater showing The Wizard of Oz (and a quote from Anne Frank in the author's note) confirms that the conflict uprooting Zoe's family is World War II. An author's note explains Nu o's intention to write a book about saying farewell and appreciating the simple pleasures and small joys to be found in life. The tale is also a poignant reflection on the impact of war and what it means to be a refugee. Celej's soft watercolor illustrations are hauntingly beautiful and show, in stark contrast, Zoe's beloved home and a city battered by war. VERDICT A moving and timeless story that is sure to spark discussions at home and in the classroom; for first purchase.- School Library Journal
