Do 23.10.
1002F (mille et deux feuilles) Buchhandlung Zürich
Not Just for Kids: The Art and Appeal of Picture Books for Grownups
Discover the artistic and emotional depth of picture books in an intimate conversation with author-illustrators Frenci Sanna and Giulia Martinelli. We invite curious readers to (re)discover picture books as a serious and subtle art form tackling complex topics with beauty, nuance, and tenderness
While associated with childhood, picture books can also be a powerful storytelling medium to address very adult themes. With a distinctive blend of visual storytelling and often poetic narrative, picture books offer a unique and beautiful format to reflect on themes like grief, identity, migration, love, loss, and resilience.
In conversation with library reader, Marisa König Beatty, and prize winning illustrators and authors Frenci Sanna and Giulia Martinelli, explore how picture books can open up gentle yet profound conversations about the human experience. The evening features readings from Giulia’s 2024 book about loss, as well as a sneak peek into Frenci’s newest work about community care and self discovery across different life stages, publishing in 2026.
This grown-up story corner is open to all curious readers, art lovers, and literature enthusiasts. The event will be held in English and accompanied by a small apéro. Space is limited, reservations are strongly recommended.
Frenci Sanna
Frenci (Francesca) Sanna (they/them) is a picture book author and illustrator from Sardinia who currently lives and works in Switzerland.
Their books have been translated into more than 20 languages, and their work has been recognised by organisations such as the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, 3x3 Magazine, Communication Arts, The Guardian, and The New York Times.
They first moved to Germany and then to Switzerland to study illustration and visual storytelling, and attended a summer residency at the School of Visual Arts in New York. After graduating, they spent several months in London as a research fellow for the Reluctant Internationalists Group at the University of London's Birkbeck College, working on their book Me and My Fear.
They currently split their time between Zurich and Berlin, but often travel to see new places and work on new projects.
> Webseite
Giulia Martinelli
Giulia Martinelli (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, animator, film director, and illustrator.
Originally from Italy, she landed in Zurich several years ago. She juggles client commissions and personal films, she teaches, hosts a podcast, and experiments along the way.
Her background spans Italy’s National Film School, the European development lab Animation Sans Frontières, and HSLU Lucerne — and she has been freelancing full-time since 2016.
Giulia loves blending handmade charm with digital tools, and lately, is exploring multiperspective storytelling and new ways for stories to interact.
> Webseite
Marisa König Beatty
Marisa König Beatty (she/her) is a (socio)cultural entrepreneuse, immigrant, curious creative, lifelong learner, and proud new co-owner of 1002F (mille et deux feuilles) Bookstore in Zürich. With a deep love for storytelling, community building, and intercultural dialogue, she weaves her many passions together to create inclusive environments that foster community connection and personal growth. In addition to a portfolio career as a (socio)cultural project manager and facilitator, she has been a library reader for young children and their families for over a decade. A passionate picture book collector herself, she believes that thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated stories can spark meaningful conversations with little and big humans, helping us to connect more deeply with each other and with the world around us.
> Webseite
Sprache:
Englisch
Eintritt:
CHF 15.00
Ermässigt:
CHF 7.00
Veranstaltungsort:
1002F (mille et deux feuilles) Buchhandlung
Glasmalergasse 6
8004 Zürich
