Delve into the colorful, animated world of a selfless giant as he makes friends with different creatures along the way in the children’s book The Smartest Giant in Town written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Sheffield. On June 20 at 5 pm, witness the characters come to life through a reading and workshop at the Library of the British Institute of Florence. The story follows the journey of George, a gentle [...]
“This bookstore, we could say, was like a series of fortunate events,” says Icaro Rotunda. He and Gianluca Romeo took a leap of faith when they bought the Paperback Exchange bookstore (via delle Oche 4/r) at the beginning of May 2019. With no background in managing or owning a store, the two entrepreneurs have faced this challenge head on and have maneuvered their way into success. After living in Montreal, Canada for a [...]
Children can dye and decorate Easter eggs and make Easter bonnets on Saturday, April 13 (4-6 pm) at the Children’s Lending Library Party in the undercroft of St. James Church, via Rucellai 9. Accompanying adults can come to the event wearing an Easter hat as well. An event designed for members and their families, non-members are most welcome as well. Participants are advised to bring hardboiled white eggs (available fresh at the Mercato [...]
In keeping up with ever-changing international melting pot of cuisines, and unique dietary needs is the rise of more self-conscious diners who crave a healthier alternative. Luckily for them, there is a new local café which delivers just that and more. Simbiosi Organic Café & Lovely Bistro on Via Ginori 64r, opened its doors recently to deliver an organic experience like no other in Florence. The lovely premises hold true to its name [...]
To celebrate both the arrival of spring and World Poetry Day, an afternoon of readings and games in English will take place on March 21 at the Children’s Lending Library (via B. Rucellai 9) hosted in the undercroft of St. James American church. Kids of of all ages and their families are welcome at the Springfest to enjoy listening to poetry and short stories. For more information, call 328 328 2757.
CAFFE’ LIETTA. Piazza Libertà 6/7/8 red at the end of via San Gallo, Florence. Open Monday to Saturday from 7 am – 9 pm. Thanks to designer’s Roberto Cavalli’s nieces, Florence’s historic Caffè Giacosa, which recently closed, is the inspiration for the brand-new Caffè Lietta. Reimagined by two sisters, Francesca and Lucilla Tacconi, Caffè Lietta opens as a remake of their uncle’s Caffe Giacosa, with a new appearance now combining both nature and urban [...]
To start off the holidays right, kids and parents are welcome to listen to the magical Christmas story “The Polar Express” read in English at the British Institute Library (Lungarno Guicciardini, 9) on Thursday, December 13. The award-winning children’s book, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg is about a curious, brave boy who hops on a magical train with other children that takes them to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. On [...]
Kids and parents are welcome to listen to the wonderful tale of “Troll Swap” at the Library of the British Institute (Lungarno Guicciardini, 9, Florence) on Thursday, November 15. The library holds Storytime about twice a month for ages 3 to 8, but everyone is welcome. The reading will take place in their cozy children’s room. The reading will start at 5 pm and their Afternoon Tea upstairs is open from 4:30 to 6 [...]
Frankenstein is the focus for the October 25 “Storytime,” a monthly children’s event at Florence’s British Institute library. The English reading and workshop will take place at 5 pm. Children ages 4-8 are the ideal audience to hear the delightful story “Do Not Build a Frankenstein,” but guests of all ages are welcome to attend. After the reading, kids can bring to the story to life by making spooky Frankenstein masks just in time [...]
The Uffizi recently purchased Daniele Ricciarelli’s (the artist better known as Daniele da Volterra) Elijah in the Desert. The painting was completed between 1543-1547, under the papacy of Paul II Farnese. A masterpiece of 16th century Italian painting, the work depicts the prophet Elijah in a moment of meditation. The influence of Michelangelo’s monumental figures in the Sistine Chapel is evident in Elijah’s musculature and pose, as well as the work’s rich tonality. [...]