Books of Water

Saturday, October 3, in collaboration with Kid Pass and author Stella Nosella, Ocean Space hosts the fifth edition of Books of Water, a day of water-themed animated readings and workshops.

The educational activities, designed for children, young people, and families, will feature authors and illustrators who will lend their voices to the storytelling.

• 10 –11:30am | Animated reading of Avrò cura di te with illustrator Nicoletta Bertelle (ages 4–8)

Animated reading of Avrò cura di te, written by Maria Loretta Giraldo and published by Camelozampa, together with the book’s illustrator, Nicoletta Bertelle. Thanks to the care of the sky, water, and earth, a small seed grows, becoming a tree that in turn protects other living beings. A poetic story about care and the cycle of gestures that bring life into being. The animated reading will be followed by a workshop engaging children through movement, gesture and imagination, inviting them to enter the poetic world of the book. Participants will experiment with an expressive painting technique inspired by the theme of care, and will be guided in transforming sensations into illustrations.

• 12 – 13pm | Animated reading of L'incanto with illustrator Miriam Serafin (ages 5–9)

Animated reading of L'incanto, written by Linda Rebecchini and published by Edizionicorsare, together with the book’s illustrator, Miriam Serafin. A young girl cherishes her moments of imagination, little enchantments that flow like water and open up new ways of seeing the world. The animated reading will be followed by the workshop Una spiaggia da incanto, where each participant will create their own enchanted beach through the magic of watercolour and by experimenting with techniques such as water-repellent wax and wet-on-wet painting. Participants will bring fantastical worlds, sea creatures, and water-inspired transparencies to life.

Participation is free, but places are limited; booking is required at the following link. 

For further information: education@ocean-space.org

The accompanying adult is required to remain present and available to supervise the minor throughout the activity.

Nicoletta Bertelle lives in Padua and trained under renowned masters such as Štěpán Zavřel and Emanuele Luzzati. She has illustrated more than 150 books for Italian and international publishers, including Bohem Press, Fatatrac, Giunti, and others. One of her stories was adapted into an animated series by Rai. Her books, created in collaboration with author Maria Loretta Giraldo, have been translated and published in many countries. In 2022, she was one of 16 Italian authors selected to represent Italy as Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates. For many years, she has led workshops and animated readings in schools, libraries, and museums.

Miriam Serafin, a Venetian illustrator, studied at IUAV University of Venice and the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice, later specialising in acrylic drawing at the Sarmede School and in digital painting. Since 2015, she has taken part in competitions and exhibitions, receiving several selections and awards. She has collaborated with numerous Italian and international publishing houses; her book Agata e Pipistrillo was shortlisted for the 2020 Strega Prize for Children and Young Adults.