The people behind Bella's World
Every story is brought to life by a wonderful team of exceptional writers, illustrators, musicians, translators, and voice actors. Each one helps create the magical world children can experience through their ears, eyes, and most importantly, through their imagination.
Illustrators
Francesca has illustrated Bella's World from the very beginning. Her artwork gives every place and character its own personality, with pages full of warmth, colour and thoughtful details.
Musicians
Lorenzo created the original music and sound design for Bella's audiobooks. His work helps transform each story into an immersive listening experience, recognised with a 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Award for Bella's Big Hair.
Author
Bethany created Bella's World to share her love of languages and different cultures, hoping to help children feel connected to the world around them.
Voice actors
Bella's stories are brought to life by a cast of experienced voice actors. Many have performed in animated films and series for studios including Disney, Netflix and Cartoon Network, each bringing their own voice and personality to the characters.
Translators
Bella speaks many languages thanks to a team of experienced translators who work carefully to preserve the voice, rhythm and spirit of each story.
Illustrators
Francesca has illustrated Bella's World from the very beginning. Her artwork gives every place and character its own personality, with pages full of warmth, colour and thoughtful details.
Musicians
Lorenzo created the original music and sound design for Bella's audiobooks. His work helps transform each story into an immersive listening experience, recognised with a 2023 SOVAS Voice Arts Award for Bella's Big Hair.
Author
Bethany created Bella's World to share her love of languages and different cultures, hoping to help children feel connected to the world around them.
Voice actors
Bella's stories are brought to life by a cast of experienced voice actors. Many have performed in animated films and series for studios including Disney, Netflix and Cartoon Network, each bringing their own voice and personality to the characters.
Translators
Bella speaks many languages thanks to a team of experienced translators who work carefully to preserve the voice, rhythm and spirit of each story.
Author
Bethany McAllister
Bella was created by multilingual author Bethany McAllister, inspired by her Cuban-American mother who encouraged her to travel the world and learn foreign languages. Bella is the kind of child every young reader can recognize in themselves. Curious, observant and full of wonder, she discovers the world one unexpected encounter at a time. Through simple but evocative storytelling and beautifully illustrated adventures, children hear new languages and learn different traditions together with Bella. Along the way, they discover that the most meaningful gifts are often the friendships and stories we bring home with us.
Illustrators
Francesca de Luca
Illustrator
Illustrator
Languages Spoken: Italian, Art (through animation and illustration) Francesca De Luca is truly Bella's best friend and the illustrator of the first book in the Bella's World series. She has worked as a background supervisor for significant animated television and film productions, including “Merry Little Batman” (Doghead Animation on behalf of Warner Bros.) and “Super Happy Magic Forest” (Movimenti Production on behalf of the BBC), as well as several episodes of Zecchino d’Oro (Jumon Studios). Francesca has worked for prestigious international publishers, including Macmillan Publishing, Rafaello Editore, Cottage Door Press, and Mondadori. Fun Fact: Francesca literally brings her characters to life. In fact, we saw a Brazilian frevo dancer who is Adriano's twin!
Isabella Ceravolo
Illustrator
Illustrator
Languages spoken: Italian, English, Art, Music (through piano) Isabella graduated from the prestigious Nemo Academy in Florence, Italy. Isabella specializes in illustration, concept, and character design. She designed Bella's cat, who will appear in future editions of the Bella's World series. Isabella creates illustrations for Bella's World schools and other organizations. Isabella has worked for animation studios and publishing houses. If you play the Disney Lorcana game by Ravensberger, you will love her illustrations even more! Fun Fact: Isabella is a world traveller just like Bella. She also studied classical piano from 2006–2020 at the A Scarlatti Conservatory of Music, Palermo
Arlo Li
Illustrator
Illustrator
Languages Spoken: Mandarin and English Arlo Li is a freelance illustrator based in Maryland, USA. Born and raised in China, he brings a multicultural perspective to his work and enjoys creating playful, colorful, and story-driven illustrations. Before becoming a full-time illustrator, Arlo worked as a graphic designer, a background that continues to influence his approach to composition, typography, and book design. His work includes picture books, educational publishing, character design, and illustration for children’s media. He especially enjoys creating expressive characters and small visual details that help bring a story’s world to life.
Gael Borges
Animator
Animator
Languages: English and Spanish (Native) Gael animated the English beta version of Bella's Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure, and brought Francesca's characters to life. In the summer of 2025, Gael won a prestigious internship at Universal Creative as an attraction. After completing his internship, Gael joined Libélula Books and animated portions of the Spanish and Italian versions. Gael created the animated posts for our Instagram page. Gael currently works at a studio, where he has animated commercial projects for the NBA, Nike, and FIFA. Thankfully, Gael is still on Team Bella, and will continue animating Bella's World. Fun Fact: Gael is the first student at his art school to be selected for an internship at Universal Creative, a division of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Musicians
Lorenzo Morselli
Audio Designer and Composer
Audio Designer and Composer
Languages spoken: Italian, English, and music (through flute, piano, and composition!) Lorenzo is the sound magic behind Bella’s audiobooks, which have earned four SOVAS Voice Arts Award wins, a One Voice Award nomination, and a SOVAS nomination. He personally won the 2023 SOVAS award for Best Sound Design. His music and colorful sound effects paint pictures in the mind, helping children imagine Bella’s world through listening alone. Based in Italy, his credits include Minecraft, Valheim, and Metafy. Fun fact: Lorenzo composed “Bella’s Song,” an original piece that brings warmth and heart to Bella’s adventure.
Ilenia Wanying Fu
Guzheng Musician
Guzheng Musician
Languages spoken: Mandarin, Italian, and music (with a Qing dynasty accent!) Ilenia shares the beauty of Chinese musical traditions through the guzheng, a plucked string instrument with a shimmering, expressive sound. Her performances include cultural celebrations in Bologna and educational events supported by the University of Milan’s Confucius Institute. For Bella’s Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure, she arranged and performed “Mo Li Hua” (“Jasmine Flower”), bringing a melody beloved since the Qing dynasty to Bella’s World and giving Bella’s visit to China a musical welcome. Fun fact: The guzheng has a history stretching back more than 2,500 years!
Lucas Bonetti
Composer and Musician
Composer and Musician
Languages spoken: English, Portuguese, and music Lucas is a Brazilian composer, arranger, producer, and guitarist with a Ph.D. in music. He teaches audio and music production at the Federal University of Bahia. Lucas composed and performed “Bella’s Frevo,” inspired by Recife’s carnival music. He chose the frevo canção style for the audiobook because it is slower and gentler than traditional frevo. Mandolin and guitar lead his arrangement, with brass and percussion supporting—a quieter sound that retains its Brazilian flavor. Fun fact: Frevo canção usually features a singer, but Lucas let the instruments tell Bella’s story!
Pablo Domínguez
Flamenco Guitarist
Flamenco Guitarist
Languages spoken: Spanish, English, and music Pablo was a guitarist, percussionist, and producer from Cádiz, Spain, whose music connected flamenco, jazz, and traditions from around the world. Raised in a musical family, he developed his artistry in Spain and London, performing internationally and becoming a resident guitarist at Ronnie Scott’s. His musical contribution to Bella’s world introduces young listeners to the expressive sounds of Spanish guitar, adding rhythm and feeling to the adventure. Fun fact: Pablo began as a percussionist before choosing the guitar, bringing a drummer’s sense of rhythm to his playing.
Voice actors
Zehra Jane Naqvi
English
Voice artist
Languages spoken: English (with British, Australian, and Indian accents!) Zehra is an actress, singer, and narrator who brings warmth and playful character voices to Bella’s English adventures. Her narration of You Bring the Distant Near earned an Audie Award nomination. Her children’s audiobook credits include I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands by Tony Ross. Her career spans London’s West End, television, and animation, including Rainbow Rangers, Coop Troop, Vida the Vet, and Ninja Express. Fun fact: Zehra voices Bonnie Blueberry in Rainbow Rangers!
Mariana Elisabetsky
Portuguese (Brazilian)
Voice artist
Languages spoken: Portuguese and English Mariana is an award-winning international voice artist who brings warmth and imagination to Bella’s world. Her narration of Bella’s Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure earned a 2026 SOVAS Voice Arts Award. She also received the 2026 Prix Jeunesse UNESCO award for the film she directed and produced based on her children’s book, Seu Vô e a Baleia. An official Disney translator in Brazil since 2016, Mariana brings her love of stories, music, and language to Bella’s adventures—inviting you and your child to explore together. Selected Credits Song and dialogue translation: Wicked, Wicked: For Good, Spellbound, and The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland. Song adaptation: Encanto, Frozen 2, Coco, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. Voice and singing: CoComelon, Muppet Babies, and Moana. Fun fact: Mariana is the Brazilian voice of Moana’s mother! Now, she brings that same warmth and sense of adventure to Bella’s world.
Ana Reyes Gonzalez
Spanish
Voice artist
Languages spoken: Spanish Ana brings warmth, energy, and playful character voices to Bella’s Spanish-language adventures. Bella’s Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure was her first children’s audiobook, and her debut earned a SOVAS Voice Arts Award nomination. Young listeners may also recognize her as Pip and the other male characters in Bandai España’s animated series Mouseville’s Mouse in the House. Her credits also include featured roles in GooZonians and Heroes GooJitzu. Fun fact: Ana pursued her love of voiceover after a successful career in radio.
Elena Mancuso
Italian
Voice artist
Languages spoken: Italian and music A trained lyrical soprano and versatile voice actress, Elena brings warmth, musicality, and a lively cast of characters to Bella’s Italian-language adventures. Your family may recognize her voice from the Italian versions of Baby Shark’s Big Show, Santiago of the Seas, Monster High, and Rainbow High, or the Little Tykes and Dino Ranch apps. Her anime credits include Eden, One Piece, Kaiju No. 8, and The Apothecary Diaries. Fun fact: Elena’s voice can be heard in the Whole Cake Island arc of One Piece and the video game Resident Evil 4 Remake!
Silina Choueiry
Arabic
Voice artist
Languages spoken: Arabic, French, Italian, and English Silina won the 2024 SOVAS Voice Arts Award for her Arabic narration of Bella’s first audiobook. She has lent her talents to productions for Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, MBC, and Disney Channel. Silina has brought characters to life in beloved animated series including Dexter’s Laboratory, Over the Garden Wall, Steven Universe, The Smurfs, and The Backyardigans. Her Classical Arabic film dubbing credits include Alice in Wonderland, Cars, Cars 2, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., and Shrek 2. Fun fact: Silina sang the Arabic theme song for the first two seasons of Dora the Explorer.
Natsuko Yamazaki
Japanese
Voice artist
Languages spoken: Japanese and English Natsuko brings over thirty years of broadcasting and voiceover experience to Bella’s Japanese adventures. A SOVAS Voice Arts Award winner in 2024 and 2026 for Japanese audiobook narration, she combines a warm voice with a talent for creating memorable characters. Her work spans television, documentaries, games, and children’s stories, including readings for Japan’s Ehon Land picture book event. Fun fact: Natsuko voices Cogimyun, the little flour fairy, in Hello Kitty Island Adventure!
Angela Liu
Mandarin
Mandarin Narrator
Languages spoken: Mandarin and English Angela is a SOVAS Voice Arts Award-winning voice artist, filmmaker, and storyteller based in Los Angeles. She brings expressive characters and a love of storytelling to Bella’s Mandarin adventures. Her work spans audiobooks, animation, games, and commercials, with clients including LEGO, Microsoft, Nike, and Universal Studios Singapore. She also narrated a story about Chinese climber Luo Dengping for the Rebel Girls app. Fun fact: Angela can sing musical theater, pop, and classical bel canto—giving her another creative way to bring stories and characters to life for young listeners.
Translators
Madeha Ghagary
Arabic translator
Arabic translator
Languages spoken: Syrian Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), and the language of translation Madeha brings a background in English literature and thirteen years of teaching experience to her literary translations. She translated Bella’s Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure into Arabic, helping create the SOVAS Voice Arts Award-winning audiobook that welcomes Arabic-speaking families into Bella’s world. Her published translations include the children’s fantasy series Fate of the Elves, along with fiction for adult readers. Her work connects readers across languages while preserving the spirit of each story. Fun fact: Madeha’s translations help Bella fly around the world and bring the excitement of Formula 1 and other car racing video games to life in Arabic!
Javier Sánchez-Moreno
Spanish translator
Spanish translator
Languages spoken: Spanish (Castilian) and poetry Javier specializes in translating literary and creative texts from English into Spanish, preserving the warmth, personality, and rhythm of each author’s voice. He translated the Spanish edition of Bella’s Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure, whose audiobook earned a SOVAS Voice Arts Award nomination. His thoughtful adaptation helps Bella’s adventures feel natural and welcoming to Spanish-speaking families while remaining faithful to the original story. Fun fact: Javier listens for more than what words mean; he considers how they feel, helping a story’s humor and wonder travel from one language to another.
Akiko Masuda
Japanese translator
Japanese translator
Languages spoken: Japanese, Italian, English, and French Based in Italy, Akiko is a Japanese translator and interpreter whose work spans art, culture, and travel. Her “artisanal translation” approach brings care and attention to the words that connect people across cultures. Akiko’s masterful translation laid the foundation for Natsuko Yamazaki’s SOVAS Voice Arts Award-winning narration of Bella’s Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure, welcoming Japanese-speaking families into Bella’s world of friendship and discovery. Fun fact: Akiko drew on both the English and Italian versions to create her Japanese translation—bringing three languages together for one magical adventure!
Our journey
Where we started
Libélula Books publishes children's multilingual media to encourage children to learn foreign languages. Libélula Books has collaborated with over thirty artists, including writers, editors, translators, musicians, voice actors, illustrators, and our amazing audio engineer. Our team represents fourteen countries.
2023 SOVAS Voice Arts® Winning Soundtrack
Libélula Books' sound engineer, Lorenzo Morselli, won the SOVAS 2023 Best Sound Engineer award for Bella's Big Hair: A Birthday Adventure. Lorenzo's award-winning soundtrack creates "illustrations for the mind" where sound effects and original music enable listeners to follow the storyline in a foreign language.
Partnering with schools
In April 2024, the State of Michigan's Hispanic/Latino Commission awarded Libélula Books a generous grant to provide English and Spanish audiobooks to a Detroit elementary school so that students from both English and Spanish-speaking families would have access to audiobooks in a second language.
Where we are today
The world of Bella has already brought together 14 different countries. What’s next?
1. United States
2. Mexico
3. Brazil
4. Spain
5. Italy
6. Lebanon
7. Syria
8. China
9. Australia
10. Cuba
11. Tunisia
12. Japan
13. Sri Lanka
14. India
1. United States
2. Mexico
3. Brazil
4. Spain
5. Italy
6. Lebanon
7. Syria
8. China
9. Australia
10. Cuba
11. Tunisia
12. Japan
13. Sri Lanka
14. India
We believe every child should be able to imagine and fall in love with stories. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and designed with accessibility in mind, Bella's World helps children of different languages, backgrounds, and abilities discover the joy of storytelling.
If you'd like to bring Bella's World to the children in your community, reach out to learn more about our partnership programmes.
