Czech Republic
207
Fischl, Viktor (text)
Poš, Petr (illus.)
Modrý kolotoc (The blue merry-go-round)
Praha : Olympia, 2000. – 119pp
Caroussel-horse - Magic - Metamorphosis - Freedom
Viktor Fischl, a lawyer of Bohemian-Jewish origin living in Israel under his civilian name
Avigdor Dagan, was a journalist, councellor of the Czech president in exile and an Israeli
diplomat. Since 1933, Fischl is also a writer. This first edition of the fairy tale »The
blue merry-go-round« – is not his first book for children. One night, the animals of
the caroussel break away under the leadership of Prince, the blue-white horse with the
golden mane, to explore the world and experience freedom. But at times, they return to
their caroussel at night and turn round and round in circles. This cheerful literary fairy
tale is about the love of freedom, courage and solidarity. The droll illustrations spark
off the same ironic complicity that twinkle between the lines of the text. (8+)
208
Kahoun, Jiri (text)
Kovarik, Jindrich (illus.)
Moucha roku (The fly of the year)
Praha : Albatros, 2000. – 99pp
(Klub mladých ctenaru)
ISBN 80-00-00803-3
Child - Everyday life - School - Fly - Pet
Julca, Renda Makovec's best friend, is a truly strange creature. She never leaves him
– she gets up in the morning with him, eats with him, accompanies him to school and
together they play tricks. Father Makovec is not too enthused about his son's girl-friend,
but when she saves his life, he tolerates her. Julca only becomes a serious problem once
Renda's attention and affection are gradually attracted by the blonde Maruska. Jiri
Kahoun, one of the most ressourceful and original Czech authors of children's literature,
assures the reader that all the characters in this book – including the fly Julca
– really exist and that all is true. (10+)
209
Kamil, J.B. (text)
Cermák, Marko (illus.)
Modrá petka na stezce dobrodruzství (The »Blue Five« on the path for adventure)
Praha : Amulet, 2000. – 48pp
ISBN 80-86299-35-x
Scouts - River-tour
The »Blue Five«, that's cautious Martin, clever Vlád'a, scatterbrained but enterprising
»professor« Cajicek and the twins Hanka and Eva. In this cartoon-style story, they
refurnish an old boat and go on a river tour. They experience many adventures, the
shipwreck being one of the more harmless ones. The style of the naturalistic illustrations
is inspired by Czech cartoons of the 30s and 40s. (8+)
210
Kovariková, Zuzana (ed.)
Ban-Jiránková, Viktoria (illus.)
O vodnících a morských bytostech (Of water spirits and other water-creatures)
Praha : Albatros, 2000. – 91pp
(Klub mladých ctenáru)
ISBN 80-00-00815-7
Sea - Water - Spirits of the water - Fairy tale
This anthology of fairy tales presents eight folktales about water spirits, mermaids and
other water-creatures from Czech, Polish, German, Russian and Irish sources, adapted by
renowned Czech writers; of course, Andersen's »Den lille havfrue« (The little mermaid)
features amongst these tales. The illustrations shine in bright colours, bridging the gap
between realism and mysticism. (6+)
211
Steklac, Vojtech (text)
Bornová, Erika (illus.)
Dáda & spol (Dáda & Co.)
Praha : Amulet, 2000. – 118pp
ISBN 80-86299-24-4
Teenage girls - Clique - Ice hockey - Love
Dáda & Co. is not a company, but the clique of 13-year-old Dáda. When they have the
opportunity to receive training at the ice stadium, the five enterprising girls found an
ice-hockey club with the telling name »Dablice« (The She-devils). But they have to
overcome many obstacles before they can celebrate a victory. The popular author Vojtech
Steklac has conceived yet another witty and promising series – this time for young
girls. The second volume of Dáda & Co. has appeared under the title of »Holky z
první petky« (The girls from the first team), the third one will come out shortly under
the title »Nejen milostné dopisy« (Not only love letters). (11+)