The Bug Next Door

by Alemagna, Beatrice

• ISBN13: 9780714863566
• ISBN10: 0714863564
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-04-30
• Publisher: Phaidon Press

Summary

When the little multicoloured bug stays at home because he feels a bit sick, a mysterious new neighbour comes knocking at his door. Who is she and why does she look so different to him? As they talk about what to eat and what games to play, they discover that they can't agree on anything: they like very different things. But why, then, does the little neighbour bug make the multicoloured bug feel so happy? When his friends return home and discover the multicoloured bug smiling stupidly, they decide he must be very sick indeed.Told with enduring and lovable characters, this story teaches young children about difference, tolerance and identity. Alemagna approaches these themes in a manner that is simple and fun, using repetitive language to make the story both comical and accessible for pre-school children.This book is also unique for its stunning visual style Beatrice invented a whole new technique of illustration specifically for these books. She experimented and searched until she found a technique that would effectively evoke the 'hairiness' and the warmth of the little bugs using a felted wool technique and an amalgam of applique, fabrics and stitching. This creates a surprisingly cosy and texture-rich world that reminds one of wool of an old blanket.

Author Biography

Born in 1973 in Bologna, Italy, Beatrice Alemagnais one of the most well known children's book illustrators working in France today. Alemagna graduated from the Istituto Superiore for Industrial Arts (ISIA) in Urbino, Italy and in 1996 she won first prize at the 'Figures Futures' competition at the Salon Du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse in Montreuil, Paris. She fell in love with the French publishing scene and moved to Paris where she has since worked with a number of renowned publishers. Winner of numerous prestigious awards, Alemagna was runner-up for the Baobab prize (2005, 2006, 2007) and received a special mention at the Bologna Ragazzi awards in 2007.  She has published over 20 works with leading international publishers and her books have been translated into more than 10 languages.