My Nonno Loves
My nonno Loves is an uplifting and gently funny ode to grandfathers, celebrating everything they love … especially their grandchildren!
2026 CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year Shortlisted.
Watch the CBCA judges’ take on the book. What it’s about and why it made the list. Watch now on YouTube
Get your copy of the book here
My nonno loves being in his garden, with a coffee in hand and songs in the air. But most of all, my nonno loves me!
Publisher: Hardie Grant | Little Hare
Illustrator: Claudia Frittitta
Editor: Luna Soo
Designer: Pooja Desai
There are many books about nonnos, but this one is extra special to me. It’s about my nonno.
Perfect for grandparents to read aloud to their grandchildren, this joyful picture book is the ideal keepsake for grandfathers everywhere. With tenderly drawn illustrations and heartfelt text, the book highlights how grandfathers fill each day with play, see the magic in ordinary moments, and cherish their family above all else. A story of joy, love and togetherness, My nonno Loves … will be treasured by everyone in the family!
CELEBRATES TRADITIONS: While the loveable characters embrace their Italian heritage, My nonno Loves encourages readers of all backgrounds to celebrate their own families’ traditions.
FAMILY TIES: My sister, Claudia Frittitta (Illustrator), and I created this book as an ode to grandads everywhere—inspired by our very own beloved Nonno!
CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY IN SMALL THINGS: From poring over precious coin collections to watching tomato plants grow, children and grandparents alike will love the story’s prompts to talk about their favourite everyday moments.
MEANINGFUL GIFT: An emphasis on connection and enjoying everyday moments makes this an affirming read and an excellent year-round gift for anyone wanting a book that celebrates grandparents.
PERFECT FOR:
- Parents, carers and grandparents looking for an engaging, uplifting book for children aged 3+.
- Parents looking for a Father’s Day, Christmas or birthday gift from their children for their grandfather, nonno, abuelo, farfar or opa.
- Books about grandparents, books about grandads
- Fans of There’s Only One Grandpa Like You.
Book Launch at Readings Kids
A question I’ve been asked a lot in the lead-up to this day is, “How long did it take to make this book?”
And the honest answer is… 37 years.
Thirty-seven years ago, I was about eight years old. I was an only child, no cousins my age, no neighbourhood friends and it was the 80s, so no internet. What did I do with all that time? I read books and drew pictures. And of course, I wrote and illustrated my own stories, right down to drawing a barcode on the back cover of every “published” title.
If you’d asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would’ve said, without hesitation, an author.
Read all about our My Nonno Loves book launch at Readings Kids.
