The luminous legacy of 20th-century author Giovanni “Gianni” Rodari (1920–1980) remains largely unknown here in the U.S. But in his native Italy, Rodari is a revered storyteller and educator, considered the father of the modern Italian children’s book, equal to Pinocchio creator Carlo Collodi in literary stature.

More than a century after his birth, Rodari is reaching English-speaking readers via several recent and forthcoming books in translation—all of which showcase his abundant wit, wisdom, and wordplay. The force behind this belated introduction is Brooklyn-based indie publisher Enchanted Lion.