Kiko lives on the fifth floor of a Parisian building where he creates designs for readers young and old. When not immersed in his artwork, Kiko enjoys playing the guitar, spending time with his daughter and taking in the sights of the city. His impressive portfolio includes publications with Milan, Gallimard, Tourbillon, Bayard and Fleurus. Kiko is also a regular contributor to popular children’s magazines.
René Mettler is a renowned French author and illustrator known for his captivating children’s books that explore nature and the environment. Born in Switzerland in 1942, Mettler discovered his passion for art early, inspired by his heraldist grandfather. He later trained as a graphic designer at the School of Applied Arts in Bienne, and moved to Paris in 1966, working as an art director before dedicating himself fully to illustration in 1971. Mettler has illustrated numerous acclaimed non-fiction children’s books, particularly for Gallimard Jeunesse, contributing to beloved series like Mes Premières Découvertes and Découverte Benjamin. His work was recognised with the ‘La Science Se Livre’ teen prize in 2012.
Magda Garguláková graduated in Art History from Masaryk University, Brno, in the Czech Republic. In 2011, she co-founded the OFF/FORMAT gallery in Brno, which showcases contemporary progressive art by young artists. As a curator, she handles operational, organisational, and promotional tasks, but her passion for books has always been strong. Garguláková has edited and published various art publications, including catalogues, specialist books, fiction and children’s books popularising art history. Since 2019, she has been an editor of children’s literature at B4U Publishing, using insights from her two young daughters for quality control.
Jakub Bachorík resides in Bratislava-Devín, Slovakia, where he engages in a wide range of artistic activities, including sculpture, painting, graphics, scenography and interior design. He has participated in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally.
Yibing Deng is a Chinese illustrator who majored in children’s books at Goldsmiths University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. She excels in using coloured pencils, pastels, and brush pens to create her illustrations. Her works reflect a deep appreciation for the natural world, and she is passionate about bringing stories to life through her illustrations.
Joanna Rzezak is a versatile artist and illustrator based in Paris, originally from Warsaw. A multidisciplinary creator, she works across painting, illustration, design and children’s book projects. She has published six children’s books and illustrated several others. Her works have been translated into several languages and are enjoyed by young readers around the world.
Paola Vitale is a graduate in Biological Sciences from the University of Padua, Italy. Paola has published international scientific papers and holds a PhD in developmental biology. A teacher, she is passionate about science. Paola co-ordinates science education projects and runs training courses for other teachers.
Yingting Chen graduated from the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. A science writer, editor, and translator, Yingting is very passionate about nature and keen on promoting awareness of nature education. She has authored several non-fictions on plants and curated a multiple of educational events for curious young minds.
Huaqing was born in Shanghai, China. She is an artist of Chinese painting, specialising in painting both shanshui (mountain and water) and huaniao (flower and bird). She received her master’s and doctoral degrees in fine arts from Chinese National Academy of Arts. Prior to that, she studied at the Chinese Painting Department of the China Academy of Art.
Sara Stefanini was born in Sorengo, Switzerland in 1982. She graduated in illustration and multimedia animation at the IED in Milan in 2006. She currently works as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator for both Italian and foreign magazines and publishing houses. In 2016, she was selected for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition.
