Júlia Sardà – författare

A stunning, highly illustrated coming-of-age fantasy picture book for children aged 5-9 from Gothic picture book queen Júlia Sardà about self-discovery, empowerment and learning to grow up confident! Exquisite, detailed imagery makes for a visual adventure like no other, filled to the brim with magic and wonder. With its powerful and reassuring message about finding your inner strength and self-belief, this is a truly thoughtful and extra special gift book or stocking stuffer this Christmas and holiday season. The spell-binding sequel to The Queen in the Cave, longlisted for The Carnegie Medal for Illustration, follows middle sister Carmela on a truly wild and wondrous soul-shaping adventure where she meets a mysterious witch… MEET CARMELA...Carmela's older sister, Franca, has stopped playing with her. Feeling left out and left behind by her big sister, Carmella walks until she can't walk anymore and then … she walks a little further. Somehow, she ends up at a tower she’s never noticed before and she knows right away that she's met a witch; a witch who has, in fact … been waiting for her.MEET THE WITCH...The Witch welcomes Carmela into a magical world far beyond the limits of her imagination – a place filled with cauldrons, spells, potions, flying toads and frogs. Carmela visits libraries teeming with ancient books; rooms where worms and spiders weave intricate dresses; a spectacular dome of crystal prisms and, finally, at the very top of the tower – Carmela gets her very own broomstick. She takes flight – her worries shrinking, her mind expanding and Carmela discovers a power within herself – to see beyond the hurt and pain of growing up, to find her own place in the world."The result is singular, not merely a modern classic but one for the ages. Utterly spellbinding." – Kirkus Reviews"A wild rumpus of sorts and a love letter to the outcasts, 'the lonely, the lost, and the different ones' – and that is a beautiful, empowering thing." – Booklist (starred review) Praise for The Queen in the Cave: "supremely exciting [...] An unforgettable story that will leave readers with their eyes wide open." – Booklist (Starred review)

- A coming-of-age fantasy epic from from Gothic picture book queen, Júlia Sardà.- The first title in The Three Sisters trilogy - longlisted for The Carnegie Medal for Illustration.- A perfect gift for any picture book fan; perfect for readers aged 5-9 with themes of growing up, facing fears and discovering one's identity. Júlia Sardà spins an enthralling and evocative tale that will surprise and enthral young readers and dreamers.One night, Franca has a dream about a marvellous queen. And now she feels intrigued… Eager to know more about this mystical figure, Franca shares her dream with her two younger sisters. Together, they set out on an enchanting adventure to discover the kingdom of the queen in the cave."an authorial debut rich with otherworldly delights and a strong sense of childness… Readers will be enthralled and beguiled by Sardà’s Wonderland-like world where sun-masked fairies light the path to the cave whilst coiled serpents hide in branches." - Books for Keeps"Three sisters sneak out for a nighttime adventure in Sardà’s fantastical picture book, which taps into the wonderous imagination of childhood and hints at what lies beyond... An unforgettable story that will leave readers with their eyes wide open." - Booklist (starred review)"The 'wonders [are] infinite' in this surreal early reader... The eye-catching illustrations feature colorful geometric objects, bright and patterned creatures, and big-eyed children whose movements are stiff, goofy, and evocative as they dare to “go where no one has ever gone before!” - Foreword Reviews"Mystical and sumptuously illustrated ... a strange and beautiful story for children ages 5-9." - The Wall Street Journal"In imagery reminiscent of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Sardà poignantly evokes the moment an eldest sister pursues a way her sisters can’t go, a moment of growth and change that’s reflected in the flamboyant, stylish disorientation of her illustrations." - The Horn Book"A beautifully illustrated longform picture book that explores the unease and bravery that comes with growing up." - School Library Connection