Magazzino Italian Art inaugurates its first 'Family Day' with a special program centered on The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, one of the most influential writers of children’s literature of the twentieth century. Recently published in English with illustrations by artist Dasha Tolstikova, Rodari’s classic tale combines humor, imagination, and a sharp sense of justice in a story that has captivated generations of young readers.
The event will begin with a live reading from The Adventures of Cipollino led by Dasha Tolstikova, whose illustrations give fresh visual life to Rodari’s unforgettable cast of characters. Following the reading, Tolstikova will guide children in a hands-on workshop inspired by the book, inviting participants to explore storytelling through drawing, imagination, and simple visual narrative.
Designed for children ages 6-14, this program offers a shared experience that brings literature, illustration, and creativity together in the museum setting, opening Magazzino’s spaces to younger audiences and their caregivers in a spirit of curiosity and discovery.
Dasha Tolstikova has written and/or illustrated many books for young readers including The Jacket, a New York Times Notable Children's Book, and A Year Without Mom, which Kirkus praised in a starred review as “fascinating and heartfelt” and named Best Middle-Grade Books of the Year and Best Middle-Grade Graphic Novels of the Year. Her latest illustrated book, The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, was awarded the Batchelder Honor in 2026. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Dasha lives in Brooklyn, NY.