Books for Children Ages 6 and Up
Who is Ecco?
Ecco is a playful little dog — sometimes a bit grumpy, but always full of mischief and charm! In the beginning, he shared his adventures with Léo, a clever and cheeky cat, in the comic books “Ecco the Little Shih Tzu” and “Ecco and the Shelter”.
Today, he is joined by his best friend Matthew, an 8-year-old boy with a big heart. Together, they explore extraordinary worlds, meet magical characters, and discover fascinating places — from a mysterious magic chest to the enchanting landscapes of Japan in “In the Land of the Rising Sun.”
Ecco’s adventures are much more than fun and humorous stories — they invite children to escape, to dream, and to see themselves in heroes who experience something truly special.
These illustrated books are perfect companions for young readers, including those who embrace their own uniqueness with pride and curiosity.
A Dad’s Review
A message to all parents!
If you’re tired of all those overly violent or meaningless books for kids, then you can pick this one up with complete confidence.
My 9½-year-old daughter absolutely loves it — and so do we, even as “older” forty-something parents! The adventures of little Ecco, a clever and funny Shih Tzu, had us hooked from the very first pages.
Throughout the story, he goes through countless adventures… but shhh, I won’t say more so I don’t spoil the surprise!
It’s such an easy and enjoyable read, and the illustrations truly bring the story to life — you feel like you’re right there in the adventure.
This book is a wonderful discovery that our whole family highly recommends — for children and for grown-ups who are still kids at heart.
A beautiful story and a lovely gift idea, with both the story and illustrations created by Marina Bassano.
We’re fans!
Illustrated Books for Kids
The Characters
Discover the characters from the illustrated books — Ecco’s friends, and those who will help him along his journey.
Step into the magical world of Ecco’s adventures and meet the key characters in this story full of surprises! From playful Ecco to curious Matthew, each one brings their own unique spark to these captivating tales.
Shhh… let’s not reveal too much just yet!
Discover their exciting and magical adventures now on Amazon!
Ecco
Step into the world of the illustrated children’s books “Ecco the Little Shih Tzu.”
Meet Ecco, the playful little dog, and his friend Matthew, an 8-year-old boy, as they journey through magical adventures together.
With his cheerful spirit, determination, and mischievous personality, Ecco is a loyal companion who never runs out of humor. He loves getting into a bit of trouble and is always ready for a new adventure — even if his sweet tooth sometimes gets the better of him!
These lovable characters and their enchanted adventures are sure to captivate both children and grown-ups alike.
Matthew
Meet Matthew, an 8-year-old boy from “The Adventures of Ecco the Little Shih Tzu.”
Smart and curious, though sometimes a little impatient, Matthew shares moments of friendship, laughter, and challenge with Ecco in every adventure.
Even if they occasionally argue — often because of Ecco’s mischievous antics — Matthew shows great courage and determination as they work together to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles.
Follow their adventures and discover the beautiful lessons of friendship that unfold along the way.
The Minuscules
The Minuscules, magical beings who live deep in the heart of the forest, play an essential role in the world of Ecco the Little Shih Tzu.
First introduced in The Magic Chest, these mysterious creatures — small in size but powerful in spirit — offer their precious help to Ecco and Matthew during their magical quests. Despite their tiny size, their wisdom and magical abilities make them invaluable allies in overcoming the challenges our heroes face.
In the latest book, released in the fall, the Minuscules once again take on a key role, guiding and supporting the two friends through a new adventure filled with mystery.
Always ready to use their powers for good, these enchanting beings embody the spirit of friendship and unity that defines Ecco’s stories. Their presence brings both comfort and wonder, adding a magical dimension that captivates young readers.
Altéa, the Witch
Altéa, the witch, is a key figure in the adventures of Ecco the Little Shih Tzu and Matthew. Gifted with powerful magic, she plays an essential role by calling on Ecco and Matthew to help her complete quests that are as surprising as they are unusual.
With her ability to teleport them into fantastical and mysterious worlds, she leads them through magical realms where each mission is more extraordinary than the last.
Though she is mysterious and sometimes a little mischievous, Altéa proves to be a precious ally to our two heroes. Every adventure she guides them through challenges them to go beyond their limits, discover hidden strengths, and explore fascinating places.
Thanks to her wisdom and magical energy, she offers Ecco and Matthew truly unforgettable experiences — while setting them on quests that require clever thinking, creativity, and sometimes great courage.
As the adventures unfold, Altéa becomes a captivating character — both complex and deeply endearing. Her spells, her secrets, and her unexpected missions make each journey unique and exciting, adding a touch of magic that enriches the world of Ecco and Matthew.
