Criatures impossibles (L' illa del temps)

The creatures feel so vivid and unique—I'm curious whether the author drew from real animals, folklore, or pure imagination. How did these ideas come to life?

The sense of wonder was really contagious, but I wonder if it also subtly pushes children to believe in the impossible. Was that intentional?

The book had plenty of funny moments but also some tense, heartfelt scenes. I’d love to know how the tone was shaped during writing.