Gianni Rodari

Gianni Rodari (1920–1980) was an Italian writer, journalist, and primary school teacher. From 1950 onward, he published numerous children’s books known for their humor, playful language, and encouragement of imagination and independent thinking. His best-known works include “Telephone Tales” (“Favole al telefono”) and “Cipollino” (“Le avventure di Cipollino”). His “The Grammar of Fantasy” (1973) is a highly regarded collection of ideas for creative and language-based activities with children. In 1970, Rodari received the Hans Christian Andersen Award.