Andra Calligaro
Born in 1988 in Baia Mare, Romania, she studied in Cluj-Napoca, where she currently lives and works. A former children’s bookseller with a master’s degree in ceramic arts, she decided in 2024 to finally pursue her longtime dream of illustrating children's books.
In 2026, her work received recognition across the Italian illustration and publishing scene.
Her illustrations for the book Sir Tarzan, gorilla gentiluomo, written by Brian Freschi won first prize at the 2026 Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest, and as a result the book was published in Italy by Giunti.
Her illustration was also selected among the winners of Italian Excellence: Pinocchio’s New Clothes and exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
Her first silent book, Un piccolo mistero giallo, was selected as a finalist for the Silent Book Contest 2026 – Gianni De Conno Award and showcased at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
Her storyboard was selected among the finalists of the Concorso Lucca Junior – Premio di Illustrazione Editoriale Livio Sossi 2026 and will be showcased as part of the upcoming October exhibition at Lucca Comics & Games in Lucca, Italy.
In 2025, she won 3rd Prize at the Notte di Fiaba Illustration Contest. The book Vrăjitorița Jazzmina, published by Asociația Toți Copiii Citesc, written by Florin Bican and illustrated by Andra, was selected as a finalist for the 2nd edition of the Cărturino Awards in Romania.