During the XX Week of the Italian Language in the World, the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington DC, in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy, has launched a series of 12 read-along podcasts from the book “Telephone Tales” by Gianni Rodari (1920-1980).
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of this great Italian author, his “Telephone Tales” were published for the first time in English by Enchanted Lion Books, with a translation by Antony Shugaar and illustrations by Valerio Vidali.
The series of podcasts was organized in collaboration with the New York-based publishing house, with the support of the Imagination Stage children’s theater in Washington DC. The initiative aims to reach younger readers, stimulate their imagination and creativity, make them analyze fundamental issues in their educational path in a light and playful perspective — sometimes surreal but always profound.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate a great Italian author and unite us all in our love for Italian culture and language,” said Ambassador of Italy to the US Armando Varricchio. “It offers the large Italian community in the US, as well as the many young Americans and young English-speakers around the world, who share a common love for the Italian language and culture, a moment of serenity and lightheartedness, during these challenging times, marked by a pandemic that has forced painful sacrifices on all of us.”
The series of podcasts is available on the website of the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington DC.