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Casa Mia Melbourne Book LaunchWritten by Josie Montano and Illustrated by Kristen Willis
Date: Tuesday 31 March 2026
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: CO.AS.IT. 199 Faraday Street, Carlton
Free Event
Booking Required
IP Kidz, an imprint of Interactive Publications Pty Ltd, is proud to announce the launch of Casa Mia, a touching new picture book celebrating the deep bond between a grandfather and his grandson, written by award-winning author Josie Montano and illustrated by Kristen Willis.
In Casa Mia, young Carlo notices his grandfather, Nonno, is missing the “twinkle” in his eyes. When asked if he wants to come home with the family, Nonno explains that he longs for his real home - his “casa mia” in Italy - but is simply too old to travel back. Determined to restore his grandfather’s happiness, Carlo searches through dusty photo albums and uncovers Nonno’s special keepsakes, including his old piano accordion. Carlo then transforms Nonno’s living space to bring Italy to him, welcoming him to his new “Casa mia”. The story beautifully illustrates that home is where you make it, resulting in “happy tears” and a renewed sense of belonging for Nonno.
About the Creators:
Author Josie Montano is an international award-winning screenwriter and author with over 25 years of experience and 70 published resources. As a 1st generation Australian of Italian migrants, she incorporates her lived experiences into her work to “advocate, celebrate diversity and lay down stories of the Italians” and their contributions to Australia.
Award-winning Illustrator Kristen Willis brings the story to life with a style influenced by a childhood “fuelled by biscotti and sugar cane.” Trained as a fine artist and graphic designer, she blends “pigments and pixels” to internalise and visualize family memories.
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Event Venue
189-199 Faraday Street, Carlton, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3053, 189 Faraday St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia, Melbourne
Tickets
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