By Beatrice Morandi
Have you ever stood in front of the children’s section in a bookshop and wondered how writers create such whimsical, meaningful stories? That same curiosity led Chiara Blardoni down an unexpected path - one of creativity, family connection, and quiet advocacy.
“I used to browse picture books and wonder, ‘How do they do it?’” Chiara says. “Eventually, I stopped wondering and started trying.”
That first try became The Brave Basilikum, a tender story of a small basil seed planted in unfamiliar soil, learning to grow on its own. “It’s a metaphor for being different,” Chiara explains. “I wanted kids to see that feeling alone doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes, it’s just part of growing.”
She self-published the book, illustrating it alongside her grandmother, a retired French painter. “It was a beautiful collaboration. We used watercolours and acrylics to make the visuals simple but warm.”
After relocating from England to Canada, Chiara found fresh inspiration in nature. Camping and exploring wildlife sparked her next project: The Vancouver Furrytales, a five-part series featuring animal characters navigating challenges like friendship, identity, and change. This time, illustrations were handled by her father, Marco Barabino, a graphic designer. “My dad brought depth to the stories,” she says. “He could capture the emotional tone of each scene perfectly.”
Chiara’s journey is part of a broader shift in how people view children’s literature. Long dismissed as light entertainment, kids’ books are increasingly being recognised for their emotional and cultural influence. What we read to children shapes how they see themselves and the world.
Gentian Tafa, 38, a head chef and father of a two-year-old, knows this firsthand. “Before becoming a dad, I didn’t think twice about children’s books. Now, I see how important they are. My son talks about emotions, colours, numbers - it’s incredible. He’s learning empathy before he can even spell it.”
Modern parenting trends, especially among millennials, support this shift. With the rise of “gentle parenting” - an approach rooted in empathy and communication - comes a demand for inclusive, socially conscious children’s literature. Today’s books are no longer just about fairies and animals. They explore mental health, gender identity, consent, and environmental issues in age-appropriate, open-ended ways.
Anna Balducchi, 40, a mother of two, sees the impact clearly. “My girls are more aware than I ever was. They correct me when I say something unkind. They’ve learned that from the books we read together.”
For Chiara, it’s deeply personal. “I was teased about my body as a kid. At the time, I thought it was my fault. But now I see the culture shaped that. Kids weren’t mean - they just didn’t know better. That’s why I write. We can give them stories that teach kindness, curiosity, and respect.”
Like the brave Basilikum, children need space and care to grow strong roots - no matter where they’re planted.
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