Children’s book Illustrator from Italy.
I graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano and spent many years working in graphic design.
Always passionate about art and visual communication, I later specialized in children’s publishing at the Zavrel Foundation in Sarmede.
I love blending traditional and digital techniques, striving to recreate a painterly atmosphere. My preferred approach is mixed media, using watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils.
I share the tricks of the trade on my creative blog, and I teach both professional training courses for adults and painting classes for children.
Publications
I published the picture books “Ma che brutta giornata!” (Edizioni Il Ciliegio, 2025) and “Pancho Panda Esploramondo” (Officina Milena Kids, 2023). I also illustrated “Il commissario De Ghiris: alla ricerca degli ovetti perduti” (Errekappa Edizioni, 2024) and “L’elefantino coraggioso” (Tomolo Edigiò, 2025).
Competitions & Awards
I was selected for the “Annual 26” competition organized by the Associazione Autori di Immagini (Italian Association of Illustrators) and named one of the 12 finalist illustrators in the “Un prato di Fiabe 2025” competition.
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“A story that celebrates the power of reading, imagination, and sharing these experiences with others.
Even when you’re stuck at home on a rainy day, you can live surprising adventures!
And you, which book would you like to dive into?”
It’s a quiet morning at the Hyde Park Animal Police Station.
Inspector Ghiro De Ghiris is about to enjoy his well-deserved hibernation vacation when a new mystery suddenly disrupts his plans: Mrs. Cignetti’s little eggs have vanished without a trace!
With the help of his trusted Officer Scott Squirrels and the rest of his formidable police team, the brilliant Inspector will try to solve the case and safely return the little ones home, in an adventure that teaches an important life lesson:
“Never judge an animal by its fur.”
“L’elefantino coraggioso” is an original book because it was born from the imagination of an eight-year-old girl, Benedetta Calzavara, who—helped by her aunt, journalist Valentina Calzavara—decided to write her favorite childhood story and dedicate it to all the children eager to dive into a whirlwind adventure set in the forest and illustrated by Barbara Marini.
It is a story that celebrates the precious value of friendship, capable of turning fear into courage.
The main character is a young elephant, extremely curious and impatient to discover the world. By his side is his best friend, Little Monkey—kind, wise, and always ready to help him along the way.
At first, the forest appears extraordinary through the Elephant’s eyes, but soon he must face dangers and overcome unfamiliar fears. The journey becomes a metaphor for growing up: learning about oneself and navigating the world alongside others. First comes a close encounter with a hungry coyote family, then with three fierce beasts, and finally with a group of dangerous crocodiles.
Throughout it all, faithful Little Monkey does everything she can to protect, support, and comfort her friend during moments of hardship. And when discouragement, exhaustion, homesickness, and the longing to hug his parents again take over, she guides him safely back home.
A big celebration with all the characters awaits them—a tribute to Friendship with a capital “F,” to be treasured like a precious chest filled with affection, respect, sincerity, trust, and mutual care.
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