Blog Tour: KBR Welcomes Davide Cali!

If you're unfamiliar with the work of Swiss author Davide Cali - get set for a major treat. KBR is honoured to kick off a mega Blog Tour with this renowned author of children's (and adult) books.

We're hosting Davide in the lead-up to his Australian visit, where he will be attending the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s National Conference in Adelaide (17-19 May), and will also be visiting New South Wales and Victoria during an intensive two-week tour, including school and bookshop visits, and other events.

Today on KBR, every hour on the hour - from 8am to 4pm - we will be posting reviews of his phenomenal books. We'll also be showing you a sneak peek of his brand new June release - 10 Little Insects at 5pm - and wrapping up the day with a very special interview at 6pm.

You can also go in the running to win all NINE COPIES of Davide's books! Enter now!

Enjoy this author biography and get set for a fabulous bookish ride during this very special day on KBR.

About Davide Cali

Davide Cali was born in Northern Switzerland, near the state line with Germany but grew up in Italy. Davide adored comics from an early age, especially Asterix. At 22, he wrote and illustrated for the monthly Italian magazine LINUS.

A passion for storytelling eventually led him to writing children’s books. Since his first books, which he wrote and illustrated, he has collaborated with many talented illustrators including Serge Bloch (French), Gianluca Foli (Italian) and Anna Laura Cantone (Italian). Picture book awards include France's prestigious Baobab Prize for the most innovative book of 2005 for I Can’t Wait, illustrated by Serge Bloch. This was also Honour Book in the American Library Association's Batchelder Award.

Over the last ten years he has gone on to create more than forty illustrated books for publishers in Austria, France, Italy, Argentina and Portugal. His books have been translated into twenty-five countries all over the world. Australian children’s publisher Wilkins Farago is proud to have published eight of Davide’s books for the English Language market, to excellent reviews.

His nine most recent titles include, The Enemy (included in the USBBY’s 2010 list of Outstanding International Books), The Bear with a Sword (selected for the International Youth Library's White Ravens Catalogue) and What is This Thing Called love?

Being fluent in French, Italian and English, Davide travels extensively around Europe giving talks and performing workshops at schools and book fairs. He is delighted by this opportunity to do the same in Australia.

His new hilarious comic book/graphic novel 10 Little Insects was selected as one of the best graphic novels of the year at the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival in France.

Review: I Didn't Do My Homework Because...

I Didn’t Do My Homework Because… is a fun collaboration between two experienced French author-illustrators, Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud. It starts out simply, when a child is asked by their teacher why they didn’t do their homework. The child explains that “an airplane full of monkeys landed in our yard.”

But it doesn’t stop there. This is one long list of excuses. Excuses that are elaborate and imaginative in the extreme: elves, Vikings, UFOs, too much noise, Robin Hood, sacrificial workbooks, carnivorous plants, medicinal mayhem, and pencil-eating pet rabbits, are just some of the reasons this child’s homework wasn’t completed. They are certainly creative!

Review: I Can't Wait

What better blending of surreal talent than Cali and Bloch? A personal fan of both their work, I was ecstatic to hold this petite, hard cover, long landscape book in my hands.

It all starts on the title page. A little piece of red string leads you to turn the page . . . and there it is trailing across the bottom of a double page spread, being tugged on at far right by a wee man who says "I can't wait . . . to be big".

Review: Piano Piano

Oh how I love different! Oh how I love retro! Oh how I love clever! And how I love Davide Cali – my new favourite author. Wilkins Farago publish many of this talented author’s books here in Australia, and it’s clear to see why.

You see... the author is psychic.

It’s seems Mr Cali has infiltrated my house via mental telethapy, because Piano Piano is really about my daughter. The one who begged until she was purple until we invested in a piano – and the same one WE begged until WE were purple to complete her daily practise.

Review: Piano Piano

Oh how I love different! Oh how I love retro! Oh how I love clever! And how I love Davide Cali – my new favourite author. Wilkins Farago publish many of this talented author’s books here in Australia, and it’s clear to see why.

You see... the author is psychic.

It’s seems Mr Cali has infiltrated my house via mental telethapy, because Piano Piano is really about my daughter. The one who begged until she was purple until we invested in a piano – and the same one WE begged until WE were purple to complete her daily practise.

Review: What is this Thing Called Love?

I'm one happy gal when a new Davide Cali book comes out and thankfully, I have Wilkins Farago to keep me in supply.

In this latest offering, Cali once again touches the heart strings whilst simultaneously gadding about with romping humour - and a cleverly honed level of perception that really gives the brain a workout.

Review: What is this Thing Called Love?

I'm one happy gal when a new Davide Cali book comes out and thankfully, I have Wilkins Farago to keep me in supply.

In this latest offering, Cali once again touches the heart strings whilst simultaneously gadding about with romping humour - and a cleverly honed level of perception that really gives the brain a workout.

Review: I Love Kissing You

Although not a children's book per se, there is absolutely no reason why the very young can't enjoy this beautiful tribute to love.

Davide Cali has unleashed a torrent of adoration in this absolutely charming book - so much so, its text is a virtual stream of consciousness, espousing the reasons why, how and wherefore, kissing his girl is a delicious thing.

Almost a biography, I Love Kissing You follows the daily kissable moments as well as the memories of those wonderful pecks and smooches, both at home and abroad. It follows the evolution of those first, heart-fluttering connections, right through to the old 'watch tv and fall asleep in 20 minutes' moments . . . but of course, that doesn't mean stealing a peck on a train or in the kitchen has gone out of style.

Review: A Dad Who Measures Up

The wee heroine of this gorgeous Davide Cali book has a wonderful mum. A tall mum. A strong mum. A beautiful and intelligent mum. She's even athletic and can also do jigsaw puzzles.

What the little girl doesn't have is a dad. But that's okay because, you see, if she did have a dad, she would need at least four to measure up to Mum.

Review: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School

We know - all too well - the story of the dog eating our homework. It's amazing how many dogs have a taste for such things. And we all know the fires and floods and tornadoes that have prevented us from getting to school (or work!) on time.

But in this quirky picture book, the King of Quirk, Davide Cali, takes it up a notch, with a series of excuses by an overslept boy, and a teacher who spends a heck of a lot of time raising her eyebrows at each and every one.

Review: A Dad Who Measures Up

The wee heroine of this gorgeous Davide Cali book has a wonderful mum. A tall mum. A strong mum. A beautiful and intelligent mum. She's even athletic and can also do jigsaw puzzles.

What the little girl doesn't have is a dad. But that's ok because you see, if she did have a dad, she would need at least four to measure up to mum.

Review: 10 Little Insects

Davide Cali may be poised to leave our fair shores (after a stint in Australia, on tour) but his legacy remains thoroughly onshore, with his collection of stunning picture books and newest addition 10 Little Insects - a book that is somewhat of a departure from his usual bookish fare.

We recently hosted Davide on KBR with a series of book reviews and interview (see them here) and we are delighted to review his latest award-winning book.

15 Reasons to Read a Book with Davide Cali

KBR is absolutely thrilled to take part in a very special 15 Reasons to Read a Book pictorial by talented author Davide Cali, brought to you by the good people at Wilkins Farago publishers.

Every day, from 1 to 15 December, we will be posting a glorious {and quite kooky} photograph of Davide and his 15 very spesh reasons why we should all be rushing out to snaffle and dive into a book.

Here is Reason No.1. From here on in, you'll find another 14 reasons posted in our sidebar - we hope you enjoy them as much as we have {you will also see each image added to this post - below - as the fortnight wears on}.

My Book Corner will be simultaneously publishing these images. Make sure you take time to check them out, too.

And if you need reading inspiration or some great Christmas gift ideas, be sure to head to the Wilkins Fargo website and check out their latest book catalogue - you won't be disappointed. WF books are some of our very favourites here on KBR.

Happy reading! {not that you need an excuse . . . }

events: at Three Four Knock on the Door

Three Four Knock on the Door have some upcoming events both you and the kids will absolutely love, with both local and international talent. Places fill up quickly, so be sure to RSVP! Check the website for more details.

Australian Story – an illustrated timeline (free)

Saturday 28th April @ 11am

The lovely and effervescent Tania McCartney will visit the shop once again to share her beautiful new book with us. Tania will be reading her new book Australian Story – an illustrated timeline, followed by treats, goodie bags, activities and a book signing.

Dragon Keeper with Carole Wilkinson (free)

Saturday 12th May @ 11am

Carole will be joining us to read a chapter from the fourth book in the Dragon Keeper Series.

While you enjoy snack and juice, Carole will answer any questions that you have an will happily sign copies of her latest release.

Sally Rippin @ Three Four (free)

Saturday 19th May @ 11am

Come and meet the author of Billie B Brown and the new Hey Jack series.

Sally will read a chapter from one of her latest books, followed by activities , treats and juice. Sally will end the morning with a book signing.

International Author Davide Cali (free)

Monday 21st May @ 4:30pm

Celebrated international author Davide Cali is doing a whirlwind tour and we are lucky enough that he will be joining us.

He will read from his latest book 10 Little Insects, a fantastic play on an Agatha Christie classic. Davide will sign copies of his books and answer any questions that you have.

This event is aimed at children and teachers alike.

Story Time (free)

And don't miss TFKOTD's fabulous weekly story time sessions, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays @ 10am (bookings also required).

Three Four Knock on the Door
46 Nott Street, Port Melbourne, tel: 03-9645 2058

Review: Too Many Rabbits

Rabbits reproduce quickly, as most adults know. That's the premise of this picture book.

Too Many Rabbits, written by prolific Italian author, Davide Cali and illustrated by Emanuele Benetti, is translated by Angus Yuen-Killick. 

The story begins with a simple request.

Two children want a pet rabbit. When Dad takes them to the pet store, there's a two-for-one special on, and he can't ignore a great deal. 

They leave with two rabbits. You can probably guess what happens next. 

Before long there are lots of little rabbits. The situation escalates dramatically, and soon there are simply too many rabbits!

Review: I Like Chocolate

KBR favourite, author Davide Cali, has certainly had the fortune of working with an astounding array of high-impact illustrators. And his written work honestly deserves the best. In I Like Chocolate, striking pictures by Evelyn Daviddi perfectly chocolate coat another divinely sweet story.

Writing the type of books all authors wished they’d thought of, this talented writer pens another winner in I Like Chocolate. I mean, who doesn’t like chocolate? Well, one person I met once – but considering the amount of people I’ve met in my lifetime, this is one teensy percentage.

Review: I Like Chocolate

KBR favourite, author Davide Cali, has certainly had the fortune of working with an astounding array of high-impact illustrators. And his written work honestly deserves the best. In I Like Chocolate, striking pictures by Evelyn Daviddi perfectly chocolate coat another divinely sweet story.

Writing the type of books all authors wished they’d thought of, this talented writer pens another winner in I Like Chocolate. I mean, who doesn’t like chocolate? Well, one person I met once – but considering the amount of people I’ve met in my lifetime, this is one teensy percentage.

Review: I Like Chocolate

KBR favourite, author Davide Cali, has certainly had the fortune of working with an astounding array of high-impact illustrators. And his written work honestly deserves the best. In I Like Chocolate, striking pictures by Evelyn Daviddi perfectly chocolate coat another divinely sweet story.

Writing the type of books all authors wished they’d thought of, this talented writer pens another winner in I Like Chocolate. I mean, who doesn’t like chocolate? Well, one person I met once – but considering the amount of people I’ve met in my lifetime, this is one teensy percentage.

Review: The Truth About My Unbelievable School

This little book caught my eye when I visited Melbourne and browsed through one of its fabulous bookstores not only because of its smaller, unusual format but mainly because of the vintage inky cover created by Benjamin Chaud – a beautiful red dragon holding two children and a dog in its mouth. Like them, I was hooked!

The alluring title had me immediately fishing my money out of my handbag; Davide Cali’s hilarious, humour - filled story seriously distracting me from the book launch I was actually there to attend – sorry, my bad!!

Event: Reading for Social Peace

Wilkins Farago Publishers are delighted to announce the launch of their Reading for Social Peace Project.

Teaming up with Yarra Plenty Regional Library, the project encourages kids to read with a questioning and open mind, and to use their reading to stimulate thought and discussion about social peace.
What’s social peace? It’s peace within our families, our friends, our communities, towns, cities or country. It means absence of conflict but it can also mean living better together.

Reading for Social Peace has its own wiki space page where you can find out about the first four books chosen for the project:

• The Bear with the Sword by Davide Cali and Gianluca Foli
• The Red Piano by André Leblanc and Barroux
• The Enemy by Davide Cali and Serge Bloch
• Empty Fridge by Gaetan Doremus (to be published in August)

There’s also a space for kids to post their own creations.

This is not just a project for those within the area serviced by Yarra Plenty Regional Library. Libraries and schools across Australia—or indeed around the world—are more than welcome to get involved now. All you need to do get started is pick up one of the four books above and get reading!

Reading for Social Peace is a National Year of Reading project.