Gianni Rodari Italian writer, journalist, poet and pedagogist was one of the most beloved children’s book writers of our times. Famous for his imagination, originality and inexhaustible creativity, he contributed to renewing children’s literature with his stories, nursery rhymes and poems capable of transforming the everyday into the extraordinary and capturing the imagination of generations of children (and adults ). Because his stories have not only entertained for decades, but still manage to educate and stimulate reflection.
Raise your hand if you don’t remember at least one of his many nursery rhymes. Because, let’s face it, Gianni Rodari’s works, although written decades ago, remain more current than ever. The ability to tell stories steeped in fantasy and universal values, in fact, still make his books perfect for younger children, to read together with their parents or alone. But Rodari’s stories, with their depth and the delicate themes they touch on, are also ideal for adults, who can find in them significant reflections on life, society and the importance of creativity. Rodari’s world, in fact, never ceases to inspire, reminding us that imagination has no age and that stories, the good ones, always remain current.
Rodari’s books, not surprisingly, continue to be loved and read all over the world thanks to their ability to speak to children (and adults) with a simple but meaningful language. Through wordplay, surreal situations and memorable characters, Rodari teaches us to see the world with new eyes.
And so here is our selection of unmissable books to read or give as gifts that have made the author a true master of children’s literature
The travels of Giovannino Perdigiorno
The travels of Giovannino Perdigiorno is one of Gianni Rodari’s most imaginative and adventurous stories. Suitable for children from 6 years old up, a cheerful and nice little book is one collection of nursery rhymes that tell the imaginative travels of Giovannino Perdigiorno in bizarre and extravagant planets. Short accompanied stories with colorful drawings which can be read quickly and which not only bring a lot of joy but make our children’s imagination fly. During his explorations, he comes across cities and places with evocative names such as the Land of Rubber Men, the Land of Very Small People and the Land of Those Who Do Nothing. This book, like many other works by Rodari, stimulates the imagination of young readers, encouraging them to explore and ask questions about what they see around them, but also to make them reflect on themes such as diversity, curiosity and the importance of knowledge. Each stage of his journey is a small life lesson, which teaches the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness, central values in the entire Rodarian universe.
Fairy tales on the phone
One of Rodari’s most famous books, Fairy tales on the phone collects a series of short stories, each lasting a phone call that the accountant Bianchi, a sales representative, makes to his little girl every evening from a different city. Each fairy tale is a small masterpiece of fantasy: stories that mix the surreal with the everyday, featuring unforgettable characters such as Giovannino Perdigiorno or the town with the error. The underlying message, behind the lightness of the stories, is profound: there is always a different and creative way of seeing the world. Suitable for children aged 6 years and up.
The adventures of Cipollino
The adventures of Cipollino is one of Rodari’s most beloved books, with a singular protagonist: a little onion who rebels against social injustices. Set in a world populated by anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables, the novel tells the adventures of Cipollino in his fight against the powerful such as Prince Lemon and the Cavalier Pomodoro, defending the weakest. Beneath the apparent simplicity of the story lies a social criticism that teaches children the value of justice and solidarity. Suitable for ages 7 and up.
The grammar of fantasy
The grammar of fantasy it is not a fiction book, but a manual on the art of inventing stories. Intended not only for writers and teachers, but for anyone who wants to introduce children to creativity, Rodari explores techniques for stimulating the imagination in an accessible and fun way. This book, which is now more than half a century old, is a tribute to the imaginative ability of the little ones and the need to cultivate it, with practical and fun advice for those who want to learn the art of invention. A book for everyone, parents, teachers, kids. The special edition for the 50th anniversary of the book’s first release is enriched by illustrations by Lucio Schiavon.
First Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes
This booklet of just a few pages contains many original and fun stories and nursery rhymes, such as “The rainman“ a light little man, who lives on the clouds and jumps from one cloud to another to open the taps, thus letting the water fall to the earth, and then close them again and pass onto another cloud. First fairy tales and nursery rhymes is also suitable for the little ones being short stories and easy to learn.
Baron Lamberto was there twice
In Baron Lamberto was there twiceRodari tackles the theme of immortality in an imaginative and surreal way. The old Baron Lamberto discovers that as long as someone says his name, he can continue to live. So he surrounds himself with people paid to repeat his name, but the situation soon gets out of hand. With his typical humor, Rodari offers us a reflection on time, memory and the value of life, wrapped in a bizarre and engaging story. Suitable for ages 10 and up.
Jasmine in the land of liars
In Jasmine in the land of liarsRodari takes us to a kingdom where everything is based on lies: dogs meow, cats bark, and those who tell the truth are punished. Gelsomino, with her incredibly powerful voice, tries to bring the truth back to this strange country. A book that invites young readers to reflect on the value of truth and the danger of lies, tackling complex issues with Rodari’s usual lightness and irony.
The book of errors
Another unmissable title is The book of errorsa collection of short stories that play on children’s linguistic errors. With his ability to find the funny and creative side of mistakes, Rodari teaches that mistakes are never an end in themselves, but opportunities for growth and discovery. A book that, through play, helps young readers not to be afraid of making mistakes and to face difficulties lightly. Suitable for children aged 9 years and up.
The planet of Christmas trees
A space adventure that only Rodari could imagine: The planet of Christmas trees tells the story of Marco, a child who is transported to a planet where it is always Christmas. But behind the festive appearance, the book hides a story of personal growth and self-discoveryin which Marco learns the value of kindness and altruism. The theme of the party is thus transformed into a reflection on the deeper meaning of happiness and giving.
The Blue Arrow
Even if it is indicated for slightly older children, The Blue Arrowit is classic, a simple book and even if written in the 1950s it is still very current. With illustrations by Nicoletta Costa it is an irresistible story for all children. A unique story of its kind in which the Befana is not that old lady from the usual fairy tales who brings gifts to all the good children, but that of the real world (who is almost a baroness) who only brings gifts to children with parents who can afford to pay her. The novel addresses important themes such as solidarity, friendship and social injustice, inviting children to reflect on what is truly important, beyond material possession. Rodari, with his usual delicacy, manages to convey a universal message: it is not so much what we possess that makes us happy, but human bonds and generosity towards others
Whichever book by Gianni Rodari you choose to read to your children, it will not bore them, rather it will conquer them and take them into its fantastic worlds full of fun adventures because they are not just stories to read, but real life lessons that accompany the reader well. beyond childhood.
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