The book, which was illustrated by a new Italian illustrator, Stefano Martinuz, is enjoying great bookstore success.
Tinted with humor and tenderness, the story is intended for children aged 4 and 11, or even older… for fun.
He wants to be Saint Nicholas
Here is the story in a few words: at school, Caesar’s teacher asks the children what they want to do when they grow up. For young Cesar it is very clear he wants to be Saint Nicholas. This does not lack originality but it is complicated because there is no school for it… A detail which will not stop this determined and clever little boy. He will get there with the help of his dog, who will play the role of the donkey. And he will perhaps even be lucky enough to have a visit from the great Saint…
The book has been published in several languages and is sold in Belgium (in French and Dutch), Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia and even Ukraine.
“I am so happy that my book is in the hands of little Ukrainian children whose country is at war. It gives real meaning to writing, explains Maude De Bel. When I met my Ukrainian publisher at the Frankfurt book fair, she explained to me that we loved traditional tales and legends in her country. Like in Slovenia, by the way. She also explained to me that Saint Nicholas Day is a little different for them. There, he doesn’t have a donkey and Saint Nicholas places the gift under the pillow, a bit like the little mouse at home.”
With naivety but without sentimentality
The children’s author confirms here that she has the knack for addressing children and touching them with naivety but without sentimentality: “I didn’t want yet another book about gifts, etc. I wanted to convey a message of hope: that everything is possible for those who believe in their dreams. I’m a bit of a dreamer, it’s in my character. And when I write a story, I always think about letting the little Maude inside me speak.”
There is no doubt that his book will resurface every year in bookstore windows as December 6 approaches.
