Congratulations to our BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Jana Diemberger, who earlier this year achieved publishing success with her first book, Monacello: the Little Monk.

Based on a 'mythical spirit of Naples' created by Matilde Serao, the book evolved from illustrations Jana drew for her degree course with Award-winning children's author Geraldine McCaughrean enriching the story.

Jana's own life is a fascinating story in itself. Born in Naples, she moved to Cambridge at the age of 14, where she eventually took up work as a cleaner. It was while cleaning a classroom at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Philosophy that she happened to draw a cartoon of Daffy Duck on the whiteboard. Her picture was spotted by a Professor of Philosophy, who took a photo of it and published it in the faculty's newsletter. Encouraged by this, Jana began A-Level Art at night school, before progressing to the BA (Hons) Illustration at Cambridge School of Art.

This achievement seems even more remarkable in light of the fact that, at the time of her graduation, Jana was juggling two other roles as a prospective mother, (her daughter Lucy being born a month after the course ended), and as an amateur boxer (going on to win the silver medal in the Amateur Boxer Association championships in 2010).

Monacello: the Little Monk is published by Phoenix Yard Books. Jana and Geraldine will be appearing at a free Meet the Illustrator event at Cambridge Central Library on June 25, from 11.00am - 12.00pm.

We wish Jana all the best for her future career as an illustrator, and also in her other roles!

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