Sometimes

A heartwarming celebration of the highs and lows of a true friendship. Toto and Lea are best friends who share everything: laughter, silence, wonder, and even the occasional, inexplicable argument. A rhythmic and tender picture book that explores the multifaceted nature of human connection, one emotion at a time.

Toto and Lea are inseparable. But being best friends doesn’t mean being the same all the time. Sometimes they talk without stopping, and sometimes they stay silent under a big blanket. Sometimes they want to do everything at once, and sometimes they are happy doing absolutely nothing. Through Luigina Del Gobbo’s lyrical prose and Francesca Carabelli’s vibrant, expressive illustrations, we follow the daily rhythm of a deep bond.

A story about the beauty of growing together, navigating disagreements, and finding that magical moment when you say the exact same thing at the exact same time.

A perfect read-aloud for home or the classroom to help children recognize and name their feelings.

Key Selling Points:

– Relateble everyday–life scenario: the book captures the real dynamics of childhood friendships – including the “unexplained” fights – making it deeply relatable for young readers.

– Emotional intelligence (SEL): an excellent tool for Social-Emotional Learning, helping children understand that friendship is a journey of ups and downs, silence and noise.

– Dynamic & energetic illustrations: Francesca Carabelli’s style is full of life and movement, perfectly capturing the “character-driven” nature of the story. Her art has a modern, international appeal.

– Rhythmic, read-aloud text: the repetitive “Sometimes…” (Ci sono volte…) structure creates a musicality that keeps young children engaged and encourages participation.

– Broad educational impact: ideal for schools and libraries to spark conversations about empathy, conflict resolution, and the value of shared experiences

Author & Illustator:

Luigina del Gobbo (author)
Author & Education Specialist. Former primary teacher with 20+ years of experience, she combines storytelling with cross-curricular research, leading creative workshops in schools and international festivals.

Francesca Carabelli (illustrator)
Born in Rome (1969), she moved from animation to children’s books. Her work is published by major international houses including Harcourt (USA), Usborne (UK), Milan (FR), and Lapis (IT).

Publication: September 2025