Christmas is fast approaching in the blanket where the little bugs live. They have all met up to plan the Christmas Eve celebrations. But each of them has his own idea of what is be the right way to celebrate Christmas: for Little Fat Bug, only food matters while in Little Yellow Bug’s family, everyone gather to sing songs. But our little friends will soon find out that there isn’t only one way to celebrate Christmas and that the most important of all is to be with the people you love.

Told with enduring and lovable characters, this story teaches young children about difference, tolerance and identity. Alemagna approaches these themes in a manner that is simple and fun, using repetitive language to make the story both comical and accessible for pre-school children.

The little book is also unique for its stunning visual style. In fact, Beatrice Alemagna invented a whole new technique of illustration specifically for these books. She experimented and searched until she found a technique that would effectively evoke the “hairiness” and the warmth of the little bugs using a felted wool technique and an amalgam of appliqué, fabrics and stitching. This creates a surprisingly cosy and texture-rich world that reminds the reader of the wool of an old blanket.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Format: Hardback
Size: 175 x 220 mm (6 7/8 x 8 5/8 in)
Pages: 38 pp
Illustrations: 16 illustrations
ISBN: 9780714865737

Beatrice Alemagna made her first picture book at the age of eight and has since published over 20 books for children. She is a consummate storyteller who creates intimate and imaginative tales where words and pictures meld together seamlessly. Her techniques of illustration vary depending on the story of each book, but range from pencil and paint to collage and embroidery. Born in Bologna, Italy in 1973, Beatrice lives and works in France.

"Innovative … you will not have seen anything like it. Quirky, but undeniably cute."— The Children's Bookseller

"A joyous book... Children will love being taken into the magical minute world of insect infested textiles. The characters are beautifully expressive and fun."—Association of Illustrators online