Little beasts

A poetic and unconventional encyclopedia of the tiny world bustling beneath our feet.

Through rhythmic rhymes and vibrant collage art, Gek Tessaro invites children to slow down and discover the vital life of the meadow: from ants and bees to the often-ignored mosquito.

But this book goes far beyond simple nature observation. Speaking in the first person, these “little critters” offer a profound metaphorical reflection on peaceful coexistence and the challenge of being small in a world of giants. By comparing perspectives (where a child’s light breath feels like a storm to a ladybug) Tessaro encourages young readers to look past the surface and practice empathy.

Between blades of grass and hidden ponds, the author introduces a microscopic world fundamental to our planet’s survival. An original anthem to ecology and a gentle lesson on how different species, big and small, can share the same “moving stage” in a fair and balanced world. A powerful invitation to respect every living being, written from the perfect height to see the wonders adults often miss.

Digital rights sold to: French, English, Danish Language (Piboco)

Book rights sold to:  Simplified Chinese (expired), Spanish/Colombia

Key Selling Points:

– Philosophical semplicity: Complex themes (freedom, identity, nature) translated into poetic and humouristic storytelling.

– Universa nature theme: Insects and meadows are a worldwide subject in early childhood education.

– Perfect for read-aloud: Features syncopated, musical rhymes ideal for shared reading.

– Striking visuals: Bold collage art using vibrant textures and colors.

– Handmade appeal: In a world of digital illustration, Tessaro’s tactile, messy, and brilliant textures stand out on any bookshelf, offering a great sensory experience.

Author & Illustator:

Gek Tessaro is a multi-award-winning Italian author and illustrator, renowned for his unique ability to blend poetic storytelling with profound philosophical and social reflection. His work is characterized by a distinctive, rhythmic rhymes that serve as the heartbeat of his narratives, making his voice unmistakable in the landscape of children’s literature.

Tessaro’s poetics move between two complementary poles. On one hand, he offers a celebration of “deep ecology,” inviting readers to rediscover the vibrant world hidden beneath their feet. On the other, his work carries a bold, almost anarchic streak, using poetry to dismantle the absurdity of war and the narrow-mindedness of the adult world. Through a delicate yet piercing irony, he champions individual freedom and the courage to remain “outside the box.”

Central to Tessaro’s vision is the shift in perspective. Whether he is giving a voice to a tiny insect or questioning the logic of power, he always speaks from “half a meter tall” – the perfect height to bridge the gap between the small and the great. This stance allows him to teach empathy and resistance simultaneously: a child’s breath can be a storm for a ladybug, just as a child’s imagination can be the ultimate defense against the grey rigidity of adulthood.

His books – often transformed into immersive live projection theater performances –  transform beetles, dreamers, and rebels into protagonists of a grand, moving stage. A recipient of the prestigious Andersen Prize and twice selected for the White Ravens catalogue, Gek Tessaro continues to prove that telling stories in rhyme is not just an aesthetic choice, but a powerful act of freedom.

Publication: January 2026