Ursula Murray Husted – illustratör

A vibrant, heartwarming graphicnovel about two irresistible cat friends on a journey to find their foreverhome—a journey inspired by the magic of art and storytelling. Cilla and Betto are two friends whoneed a place to call home. The docks in Valletta are too wet, and the scraps offood too scarce. The city’s streets are too busy, and the humans toounreliable. But what about the quiet gardenfrom old kitten tales—a place where all cats are welcome, and the humans arealways kind? Could the stories really be true?As Cilla and Betto embark on agrand adventure to find out, they begin to spin a tale of their own—one thatwill take them through the art and stories of many journeyers who came before,and that will bring them to a surprising destination.

This funny, empowering graphic novel from rising star Ursula Murray Husted is a gorgeously illustrated glimpse into the forgotten history of Renaissance Italy, following an ambitious young girl's quest to become an apprentice to the famous Sandro Botticelli. Life as a chicken girl isn’t so bad, but Mella wants more. Though girls can’t be official apprentices to artists in Florence, Mella has been secretly teaching herself to paint while tending to artist Sandro Botticelli’s chickens.When one of Botticelli’s actual apprentices discovers Mella’s work, he threatens to take full credit for it. Why does it matter who drew it if it’s good?With the help of unexpected allies, an important patron, and a tenacious stray dog named Blue, Mella must summon all her courage, smarts, and skills to prove her worth and demand the recognition she deserves.