Man in the green coat

A mysterious stranger, a handful of seeds, and a city transformed overnight. A timely ecological fable about reclaiming nature and the power of small, silent actions to change the world.

Through his grandfather’s telescope, a curious boy spots a mysterious man in a green coat dropping “pebbles” into cracks in the asphalt. The next morning, where cars once parked, trees begin to sprout. Oak, birch, and lime trees invade the grey streets, sparking joy in children and frustration in adults worried about parking. When the boy discovers his grandfather’s secret – a bag of seeds and a familiar green coat –  he realizes the mission to regreen the world is now in his hands.

Rights sold to: Korean languages

Key Selling Points:

– A visionary green fable
A hopeful story where nature reclaims the city, moving from warnings to active transformation.
– Intergenerational bond
A tender ’greeen’ alliance between granfather and grandchild, united by a secret mission.
– Award-winning duo
By multi-award winning author Davide Calì and internationally acclaimed artist Irene Penazzi.

Author & Illustrator

Davide Calì

A prolific artist, illustrator, and children’s author, Davide Calì is a global phenomenon in contemporary picture books. With over 200 titles published in more than 30 countries, his work spans major international markets. Renowned for his humor and versatility, he was awarded the Italian Andersen Prize for Best Author in 2025.

Irene Penazzi

An Academy of Fine Arts (Bologna) and HAW Hamburg graduate, Irene Penazzi debuted in 2019 to immediate acclaim. Her work was featured in the prestigious “Italian Excellence” exhibition at the 2021 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Known for her lush, nature-focused style, she is one of the most promising voices in contemporary illustration.