A beloved masterpiece of children's humor returns to bookshelves—one that adults cherish just as deeply. Fiabe lunghe un sorriso (Tales as Long as a Smile) arrives once more, featuring the enchanting illustrations Emanuele Luzzati created for its very first edition back in 1987.
Beginning October 24, 2023, readers can rediscover this treasure in the collection that breathes new life into Rodari's earliest editions—timeless works whose magic remains as potent today as ever: "Gianni Rodari. I classici" (Gianni Rodari: The Classics).
Brief Tales, Lasting Joy
These are stories that don't need much time to bloom into smiles—just as Mr. Venceslao's house needs only moments to take flight.
They invite laughter while provoking thought. Rodari's narratives brim with wit, yet they always reach toward deeper meanings, sometimes with startling prescience. Consider his machine that completes homework for young Lino Picco, rendering his brain completely unnecessary—a concept that bears an uncanny resemblance to today's artificial intelligence tools available to everyone. The outcome? The child ends up caged, because wandering around without a functioning brain might prove fatal.
Explore the Collection"These tales emerged between 1949 and 1960, years when Rodari joyfully experimented with every avenue of imagination: a house's roof decides to take a stroll, a sculptor's statues spring to life, tortoises race on bicycles… A spectacular fireworks display of inventions that captivates readers young and old, enhanced by Emanuele Luzzati's vibrant, whimsical illustrations."
Professor Pino Boero describes their origins beautifully: "The 'Fiabe lunghe un sorriso' appeared in 1987 through Editori Riuniti, gathering texts originally published in Milan's 'l'Unità' newspaper from 1949 to 1950, and in 'Il Pioniere' magazine from 1954 to 1960—years of fertile creative exploration."
About Emanuele Luzzati
Emanuele Luzzati (Genoa, June 3, 1921 – January 26, 2007) was a distinguished Italian set designer, animator, and illustrator. Born into a middle-class Jewish family in Genoa, the racial laws of 1938 forced him to abandon his studies. After the war, he launched his career as a theatrical set designer.
A versatile and refined artist, Luzzati collaborated throughout his career with internationally renowned directors, architects, artists, and writers. In Einaudi Ragazzi's catalog, he illustrated three of Gianni Rodari's books: Il libro dei perché (The Book of Why), Atalanta, and Fiabe lunghe un sorriso (Tales as Long as a Smile).
- Stories that spark imagination while delivering profound messages
- Timeless humor that resonates across generations
- Luzzati's original 1987 illustrations restored in full color
- Perfect for reading aloud and sharing moments of joy