I am a leaf

The Andersen Prize, one of the most prestigious Italian children's book award in the world, celebrates its 40th anniversary. After a year that has seen publishers pay particular attention to innovation and originality, the selected winners, which include illustrated books, poems and stories, clearly express the need – much felt after the pandemic – to be part of the world, to meet people and to experience beauty. Indeed, the real winners are not the books but, more widely, the invitation they extend to use our imagination – not as just something to do when we are confined, but “as a creative process by those who want to go out, experience reality and feelings”. When thinking of books, one always thinks that words are the most important part. However, Io sono foglia (I am a leaf), which the Andersen Prize has selected as best book for children aged 0-6 years, is proof of the contrary: Angelo Mozzilo's words were added later on – never predictable and always rhyming – to give a voice to the dance between leaf and child created by Marianna Balducci's pencil. Their meeting conveys the thoughts, feelings and moods of individuals who are constantly rediscovering themselves within the natural – this is the key word – flow of time. The child looks like a leaf, every leaf looks like a child: they mimic each other, transform, and harmonise their movements, which express their inner being. Readers are invited to experience their shifting moods together with them, to learn to accept that every day (and often more than once a day) brings light and shadow, sun and rain, happiness and sadness, enthusiasm and fear, boredom and courage. Protagonists or spectators, that's all fine, nothing exceptional about it. In this endless merry-go-round, however, the authors tell us of one elemental need: finding a branch for oneself – a place that awaits us, a space where we are always welcome and loved. This book has been awarded “for the deep sensitivity with which the authors have created an unusual and delightful editorial project. For the accuracy and sensitivity with which they narrate the feelings, often confused and conflicting, experienced by small children. For the refined and brilliant illustrations, which blend timorous gracefulness with subtle irony.” Io sono foglia  di Angelo Mozzillo con le illustrazioni di Marianna Balducci Bacchilega Junior, 2020