Angelo Mozzillo
Marianna Balducci
translated by Denise Muir
To those who stay outside –Angelo To Grandma Alidina, the wind that made the yellow leaves dance –Marianna
I Am a Leaf Text by Angelo Mozzillo • Illustrations by Marianna Balducci Copyright © 2020 Book on a Tree Limited • A story by Book on a Tree This edition published by arrangement with Just Right Agency • First published in Italian as Io sono foglia in 2020 by Bacchilega Junior • Translated by Denise Muir • English text copyright © 2026 Red Comet Press This edition published in 2026 by Red Comet Press, LLC, Brooklyn, NY All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Library of Congress Control Number: ISBN (HB): 978-1-63655-202-6 ISBN (EBOOK): 978-1-63655-205-7 26 27 28 29 30 TLF 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 First Edition Manufactured in China Red Comet Press is distributed by ABRAMS, New York
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Angelo Mozzillo
Marianna Balducci
translated by Denise Muir
One day I am
g n blowi
One day I can’t get going
One day blazing sun
One day there is none
One day I’m inspired
One day I’m just tired
On ed ay
an
d e a p ! a c s e
One day, a bit afraid . . .
One day what a fight!
One day, nothing’s right
One day, on the waves,
I am a sailor
brave
One day proud indeed,
a bandit on his
steed
One day, I don a turban . . .
to stroll through the
bazaar
One day I’m a no-one . . .
or maybe a
k c ro star?
One day, I pick up and go
One day I just don’t know
One day I take root
Another day I
leap
One day I am mute One day, instead, I speak One day I bend this way One day I touch the sky
But I wait here each day for someone to pass by
me,
If someday you want don’t ask who I am now
leaf bough.
One day I will be a if you will be my
Angelo Mozzillo is an acclaimed author of books for
children and young readers. He has been published widely in his native Italy. Among his novels is a humorous detective series, Detective Linus. I Am a Leaf won the prestigious Italian Andersen Prize as the best picture book in 2021, and it was also awarded the Andersen Prize for best children’s book overall. Angelo’s books have been translated into several languages. This is his first to be published in English. Angelo Mozillo was born in Naples, but he now lives and works in Milan, Italy.
Marianna Balducci is a renowned Italian illustrator,
celebrated for her innovative approach to visual storytelling. With a background in fashion and advertising, she seamlessly blends traditional illustration with photography and digital techniques, creating unique and thought-provoking imagery. Her talent has been recognized with a number of prestigious awards, including the Italian Andersen Prize for I Am a Leaf. Her works are widely appreciated for their ability to evoke emotions, stimulate curiosity, and offer new perspectives through metaphorical and poetic illustrations. Marianna collaborates with major publishers and cultural organizations, bringing her artistic vision to books, advertising, and editorial projects. She is also a passionate educator, sharing her expertize through collaborations with several educational institutions. She lives and works in Milan, Italy. Visit her at mariannabalducci.it.
y a d I ’ m e n inspired O One day I’m just tired
One day an escapade!
One day, a bit afraid . . .
Feelings rise and fall like leaves on the wind— each one welcome, each one true.
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Cover art © Marianna Balducci • Printed in China
$19.99 US / $24.99 CN / £13.99 UK ISBN 978-1-63655-202-6
9 781636 552026
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