Nella città dei sogni is a poetic and evocative picture book in which the characters’ dreams take the form of colourful balloons. Let’s explore this colourful world together with its creators, the writer Reda Puodžiukė and the illustrator Tania Rex.

Reda, the first question is for you: could you tell us what inspired you to write this book?

(R.) My ideas usually find me unexpectedly. For this particular book, the first spark was born while I was standing in a bookstore line, feeling a little bored, when my eyes caught a postcard with a hot air balloon and the words “Follow your dreams”. In that quiet moment, I suddenly imagined how beautiful it would be if our dreams were visible — floating above us like colorful balloons. I saw a sky filled with them, each one carrying someone’s secret wish. That image completely enchanted me. It felt tender and powerful at the same time. From that vision, the story began to unfold naturally.

The characters, their stories, and even the setting in the little town of Balloonville came later. But everything started with that single, gentle spark of imagination — a simple image that opened a wide and luminous inner sky.

How did you come up with the idea of turning dreams into balloons? Why did you choose those items?

(R.) The idea grew organically from that first image. Balloons feel light, hopeful, and a little fragile — just like dreams. They rise effortlessly, yet they can drift away if we do not hold onto them. Our dreams carry that same sweetness — the quiet promise of fulfillment, the anticipation of something beautiful becoming real. The thought of making that invisible beauty visible deeply moved me.

Balloons are also universal. Every child knows the feeling of holding one — the joy, the excitement, and sometimes the subtle fear of letting it slip from their hands. Dreams are very similar. They lift us up, but they also require courage, patience, and determination.

By turning dreams into something visible and tangible, I was able to explore an abstract theme in a way children can truly see and feel. When a dream becomes something you can almost touch, it becomes easier to talk about — and perhaps even easier to believe in.

Tania, what were your first thoughts when you read the text of Neelinė diena balioniškyje (original title of Nella città dei sogni)? Did you relate with it?
(T.) When I first read the text, I was truly fascinated. I immediately saw that it was a fantasy world, which meant I would have a lot of space for creative and unusual artistic choices. I really loved the idea that I could creatively mix the real world with the fantasy world to make a special, unique blend.

Reda, could you tell us about the writing process of this picture book? Also, what’s your usual approach to writing picture books for children?

(R.) My books usually begin with a small detail — a phrase, an image, or an intriguing combination of words. A tiny seed catches my attention and arrives with a quiet feeling, almost a promise, that a meaningful story may be hiding there.

Then curiosity takes the lead. I begin asking myself: What is this truly about? Where does it begin? Where might it lead? I explore gently, without forcing the process.

Interestingly, the most important moments often come when I feel stuck — when I don’t know how to avoid clichés or predictable solutions. At that point, I step back. I let the idea breathe. I allow curiosity to grow in silence.

And when that curiosity ripens to the point that I can no longer keep it inside, I return to the page. That is when writing becomes pure joy — not pressure, not calculation, but pure discovery.

When I write for children, I always respect their emotional intelligence. I never simplify feelings. Children understand depth; they simply need clarity and honesty. I approach them as whole human beings — sensitive, perceptive, and capable of recognizing truth when they see it.

Tania, when imagining this colorful world, did you have free rein or did you work with the author?
(T.) I actually had complete freedom, and my ideas were accepted right away, which was wonderful. But it was also a great collaboration! For example, I received some really fun suggestions along the way – like drawing eyes on a traffic light, or adding little texts and messages on a park bench. These small, playful details really added an interest and life to the illustrations.

What was your favorite part of working on this story?
(T.) My favorite part was the chance to show the child’s inner world and emotions. I wanted to illustrate how a child reacts and feels when there is a lack of attention or time from the parents. Even though it is a children’s book, it is a very gentle lesson for the parents, too. I think that is exactly what makes this book so exceptional

Question for both: how would you describe your balloon? Does it fly low or high? Do you think you’ve already managed to grab it, or are you still looking for the right path to do so?

(R.) I would describe myself as a creator of dream balloons. I have many dreams — but I try not to cling to them too tightly or bind myself to them too rigidly. I let beautiful thoughts float freely. Let them brighten the sky. Let them lift the spirits of those who notice them. Let them carry a gentle promise that perhaps tomorrow I will catch one or two.

As for the larger balloons — the life-defining dreams — I am still reaching for them. I am still learning how to pursue them with courage and patience. But I believe deeply that one day I will catch them.

And perhaps the beauty is not only in holding the balloon firmly in your hands, but also in having the heart to keep looking up.

(T.) My balloon is very colorful and always changes, just like an artist’s imagination. In the story, catching a balloon means catching a dream. I already caught some of mine – I get to draw and make books every day, and I try not to lose my creative vibe. But I am still chasing my biggest dreams (actually, a few of them!). I really believe that one day they will come true.