Hungary
238
Böszörményi, Gyula (text)
Fábián, Noémi (illus.)
Gergő és az álomfogók (Gergő and the dream catchers)
Budapest : Magyar Könyvklub, 2002. – 543 p.
ISBN 963-547-779-1
Adolescence – Family
15-year-old Gergő was chosen to rescue Reality from the world of the dream
catchers. On his way to the top of the world-tree, he survives many
adventures, learns how to meet his fears and handle his fellow men’s
problems, and eventually defeats the evil dream catchers. This victory also
provides him with solutions to problems in the real world that he used to see
as insurmountable. This gripping novel with its mixture of fantasy and reality
greatly enriches the genre of fantasy novels for children and teenagers in
Hungary. A sequel is currently being written. (13+)
239
Darvasi, László (text)
Németh, György (illus.)
Trapiti avagy a nagy tökfőzelékháború (Trapiti or the great pumpkin-dish-war)
Budapest : Magvető , 2002. – 306 p.
ISBN 963-14-2308-5
City – Stranger – Assistance
One day, the weird little man Trapiti appears in the town of Kavicsvár. He
has lost his memory and has no idea where he comes from or why he is in this
town. Trapiti finds a place to stay and, together with the town people, he
experiences many adventures with sorcerers and witches, love, friendship,
human weakness, and a mysterious pumpkin dish. In the end, Trapiti saves
Kavicsvár from the army of grey people who are trying to conquer the town in
a surprise coup. This imaginative children’s novel stands apart because of
its original ideas and the fresh and lively dialogues. Caricature-like
black-and-white drawings aptly illustrate the text. (8+)
Special Mention
240
Feuer, Mária (text)
Rényi, Krisztina (illus.)
Sárkánymese (Dragon tale)
Budapest : Móra, 2003. – 85 p.
ISBN 963-11-7780-7
Folk tale – Dragon – Growing up
This fairy tale traces the life of a small dragon from his mysterious birth to
the foreboding of his death. Living by Queen Boholca’s side and discussing
all matters with her, Sarkany learns everything about life in harmony with
nature and the natural elements: earth, water, fire, air, light, and sky.
Philosophy, culture, and knowledge from the East and the West become connected
in his experiences. Step by step, fighting against the ancient elements, he
learns more about himself and thus reaches the highest stage of existence, the
freedom of spirit. Its literary and graphic quality make this book a true gem.
The masterly design is particularly impressive, the delicately engraved
illustrations underlaid with gold are reminiscent of traditional Oriental art
yet also include many floral, Art Nouveau elements. (10+)
241
Lugosi, Viktória (text)
Elek, Lívia (illus.)
Hümmögő <proper name>
Budapest : Noran, 2002. – 122 p.
ISBN 963-9356-70-0
Folk tale – Friendship
Hümmögő, a small green dwarf, and his friends seagull, giraffe, squirrel,
ladybird, and dolphin plunge into a series of adventures as they try to
support each other and make their lives worth living. In the course of their
exciting experiences, their friendship grows deeper and more affectionate.
With a great deal of humour, subtle irony, and a captivating narrative skill,
the author inevitably draws young and old readers into her story. Striking,
colourful illustrations in the style of woodcuts are a witty addition to this
folk tale. (5+)