The Fox and the Garbage War pits two favorite fairy tale protagonists against one another as a crafty fox declares he will get revenge on the town’s wolf mayor by running against him in the upcoming election. Where did you get the idea for this story?

This book, The Fox and the Garbage War, is the sixth in a series in which I examine the different forms of power and its misuse in our world today. My inspiration always comes from real-world global events—issues that are often quite serious.

To make these topics accessible to children, I adopt a humorous, often sarcastic perspective. In this story, the focus is on the collision between science and personal greed. As a “partner in crime,” we meet a researcher whose misguided ambition leads them to abandon professional ethics in favor of fame and wealth.

The story reflects a cynical reality we often see today: even environmental responsibility and scientific integrity are cast aside to serve a personal agenda. Through satire, I want to show and warn young readers how easily noble goals can be corrupted when greed takes the lead.

Francis the Fox is charming but untrustworthy—how did you approach creating a character children would both enjoy and question?

I wanted to move beyond the traditional, one-dimensional hero and create someone more like the figures we see in real life—charismatic and persuasive yet ultimately driven by their own interests. Francis is charming because that is how power often presents itself; it’s rarely ugly at first glance.

By making my fox somewhat likable yet untrustworthy, I invite children to practice critical thinking. I want them to enjoy his quick actions while feeling a hint of suspicion. One thing I find fascinating about Francis is his incredible resourcefulness and persistence; even in his most questionable schemes, he never gives up. It’s a quality one could truly admire, if only it were directed toward better goals.

Interestingly, when readers discuss the series with me, many—especially adults—cite examples from their own home countries. It seems that ‘Francis-like’ characters, who use their drive and charm to mask personal agendas, are a global phenomenon. The Fox Series teaches children to look beyond a leader’s energy and polished words to see the real impact of their actions.

Do you have a favorite character in this story? One whose dialogue was especially fun to write?

My favorite dynamic to write was definitely the interaction between Francis the Fox and the researcher, Linda Lupo. Their dialogue evolves in a chilling way. It begins with light conversation and calculated flattery, but they are quickly bonded by their shared ambition—even if their ultimate goals differ.

Francis is a master manipulator; he skillfully uses every trick of persuasion and manipulative charm to bind Linda to his cause. However, as the crisis deepens, the tone shifts dramatically. The flattery turns into harsh commands and, eventually, into outright blackmail and threats. I still get goosebumps thinking about how their relationship spirals, culminating in the moment when the researcher is imprisoned in a cellar. Writing that transition from ‘partners’ to ‘captor and prisoner’ was incredibly intense.

While the dialogue between Francis and Linda was the most intense to write, my favorite character is William the Wolf, the old mayor. He is the complete opposite of Francis: unfailingly kind, firm, and honest.

Even as an old, somewhat frail wolf, William is the voice of reason and calm experience. He has a deep understanding of what is happening behind the scenes and often anticipates the villains’ moves. What I love most about him is his quiet strength—when the situation demands it, he is willing to step into the most dangerous parts of the finale to do what is right.

To me, William represents the kind of leadership we need more of in the real world: a steady, ethical force that stands in stark contrast to the opportunistic and self-serving nature of characters like Francis. He reminds us that true wisdom and integrity ultimately hold a community together.

What kinds of conversations do you hope this book sparks between children and adults?

Ultimately, I hope this book serves as a bridge for meaningful conversations between children and adults. Challenging stories naturally spark deep reflections, and I want to encourage children to look beyond ‘polished promises’ and ask: ‘Is this person acting for the common good, or just for themselves?’

We need to talk honestly about the fact that those in the spotlight are not always the ones working in our collective best interest. While characters like Francis chase the hype, real leadership is often found in the quiet work behind the scenes—the kind of effort that rarely receives the applause it deserves.

I don’t mean that children should be prematurely immersed in the harsh reality of world news—every family must decide the right timing for themselves. However, since children are inevitably exposed to heavy and unpleasant topics through the media, it is vital that parents have tools like these books. They offer a way to process even the most difficult subjects in an age-appropriate way, showing that true integrity means staying true to your ethics, even when no one is watching.

This is the sixth episode in the Francis the Fox Series. The fox’s twisting path has already led readers through the dark worlds of power struggles, the trampling of freedoms, construction schemes, election fraud, and fake news. And there is more to come!

I recently spoke with the incredibly talented Italian illustrator Andrea Alemano at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair about where Francis’s crooked trail might lead next. Andrea and I, the storyteller, remain deeply inspired by our cunning, questionable hero. Stay tuned, because the adventures definitely continue!

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