Barbara Cantini
Born in Florence, Barbara studied fine art and then decided animation was her thing. After working on a few series for RAI, she won the “Illustrator of the Year” Città del Sole Award in 2011 and turned her full attention to illustrating books. Since then, she’s worked with top publishers like Harper Collins, Einaudi, Rizzoli and Mondadori, creating iconic works like the Mortina series.
Her work, filled with gothic vibes and dark humor, made Mortina (a.k.a. Ghoulia in English) an Italian favorite. Mortina’s a zombie, but her emotional baggage is 100% relatable for any kid who’s ever struggled to make friends or accept themselves. Her series has been translated into 23 languages and celebrated by critics in Kirkus, Booklist, and La Repubblica.
When she’s not illustrating, Barbara can be found indulging in her many loves: old garments, chocolate, 50s/60s comedies, board games, and breaking the surface of a perfect crème brûlée. She's a proud mom, book-hoarder, cat-obsessed, and a passionate trekker—living in the Tuscan countryside with her husband, daughters, four cats, and an eccentric hamster.
Her life motto:
Books. Cats. Life is good. — Edward Gorey
Click here to read Barbara's Mini Proust Q&I (Question and Illustration) inspired by the Proust Questionnaire.
