Jean Clavérie was born in Côte d'Or in 1946. He studied in l'École des Beaux Arts of Lyon and later in l'École des Arts Décoratifs in Geneva (Switzerland). He worked firstly as an illustrator for advertisement but in 1977 he specialized himself in drawing illustrations for children and young adults’ books. He has realized numerous book covers, institutional and advertising affiches.
He also spends some of his time teaching at l'École des Beaux Arts in Lyon and at l'École Émile Cohl. He is married with Michele Nikly and they have two children.
"If you don’t want to wear diapers
on the potty you must sit…”
This is the way this book, which has been really well received by critics and readers, starts.
Sorcières Award (France) to the best picture book for children.
“A book that, undoubtedly, can be shared by children and parents and which, in the last instance, constitutes an invitation to read (CLIJ, Children and Young Adults’ Literature Notebooks).
“… magnificient book” (Paco Abril in La Oreja Verde).
Julian has played the flute for such a long time that his hair is turned as long as river weeds, that shake whenever the flute sings, while the wind moves.
Elder people, however, can’t stand his lack of concern about his physical appearance and demand him to have a haircut. When Julian has his hair cut, he loses his ability to play music.
Being so misunderstood, Julian runs away to the wilderness, where, step by step, he will recover his musical talent.
He comes back to the town with long hair once again. But now the elder people don’t recognize him and they ended up being impressed by the music that “strange child” plays.
“A story about a child who lose his talent and his soul in the way of trying to be like the others. A small jewel” (CLIJ, Children and Young Adult’s Literature Notebooks)