Isabel Calione Launches the "Casper and Bambino" Children's Book Series
Uruguayan-American author Isabel Calione has introduced a new children's adventure series inspired by two beloved dogs and the bedtime stories she once created for her son.
Connecticut author Isabel Calione has expanded her literary work into children's literature with the publication of two new books in the "Casper and Bambino" adventure series.
The first book, Casper & Bambino: Adventures in the Forest, was published in June 2026. The second story, Casper and Bambino: The Secret Waterfall, followed in July.
The series introduces young readers to Casper and Bambino, two best friends who explore a colorful forest filled with mystery, friendship and unexpected challenges. Along the way, they are joined by a lively group of animal friends, including Blue the bird, Coco the rabbit and Toby the turtle.
Although the stories take place in an imaginative world, their origin is deeply personal. Calione first began creating stories about Bambino as bedtime tales for her son, Facundo. Bambino was her family's beloved dog and became the inspiration for one of the series' central characters. Casper, Calione's current dog, later became Bambino's adventurous companion in the books.
Casper & Bambino: Adventures in the Forest introduces the characters and their magical world. Through their experiences, children discover the importance of friendship, courage, kindness and helping others.
In Casper and Bambino: The Secret Waterfall, the friends learn about a beautiful hidden waterfall deep within the forest and set out to find it. When an unexpected challenge blocks their path, they must rely on courage, cooperation and one another to continue their journey.
For Calione, the series is about more than entertainment. She created Casper and Bambino to encourage children to explore the world with curiosity, compassion and imagination. The stories also show young readers that problems can be overcome when friends communicate, remain together and work as a team.
Calione is a Uruguayan-American bilingual author whose previous work includes the suspense and romance trilogy What I Didn't Know, published in Spanish and English. Her move into children's literature brings together her love of storytelling, animals and the memories that inspired the original bedtime tales.
The world of Casper and Bambino is also expanding beyond the printed page. Calione has been developing the characters and their adventures for animated videos, introducing the forest and its friends to young audiences through visual storytelling.
Both books are available through Amazon. Calione plans to continue the series with additional adventures featuring Casper, Bambino and their forest friends.