Czech Books for Children and Young Adults 2020 Illustration © Daniela Olejníková

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 4

CzechLit – Czech Literary Centre 6

David Böhm 8 'A' FOR THE ANTARCTIC – A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Bára Dočkalová 12 THE SECRET OF PEBBLE MOUNTAIN

Jiří Dvořák, Daniela Olejníková 14 WE LIVE HERE! STRANGE DWELLINGS OF ANIMALS AND PEOPLE

Petr Koťátko 16 ANNA, THE TALKING BROOK AND OTHER INMATES OF MRS MAJEROVÁ’S INSTITUTION

Robin Král, Aneta Františka Holasová 18 TONI AND THE CIRCUS RIDER

Daniela Krolupperová 20 CROWN TRAP

Radek Malý, Pavel Dvorský, Jiří Grbavčic 22 AN ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF EXTINCT ANIMALS

Vojtěch Matocha 24 DUSTZONE: BLACK MERCURIDE

Marka Míková 26 THE HOUSE IN RUGOLO

René Nekuda 28 THE STORY MACHINE

Markéta Pilátová 30 THE GORILLA’S TALE

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Milada Rezková, Lukáš Urbánek 32 DOCTOR GULL IN FULL

Taťána Rubášová, Jindřich Janíček 34 WILLIAM & MERIWETHER: THE UNEXPECTED ROBOT EXODUS

Tereza Říčanová 36 THIS IS ISTANBUL

Stanislav Setinský 38 THIS IS JERUSALEM

Petr Stančík 40

H2O AND THE MAD-EYE TREASURE

Ester Stará, Marie Urbánková 42 LET’S GOOO!

Petr Svobodný, Robin Král, Nikola Logosová, Zuzana Lednická 44 HERE COMES THE DOCTOR! HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN SEVEN DAYS

Grants for publishing Czech literature abroad 48

Travel grants 50

Selected literary awards in the Czech Republic 51

The Moravian Library 52 INTRODUCTION

Thirty years ago, President Václav of what is produced (year on year, Havel opened his first New Year’s the number of titles by domestic Address with the words, “Our coun- authors is between 400 and 500). try is not flourishing”. He went on to We have plenty to offer the inter- warn that four decades of commu- national reading public, too, as our nist lies would take at least as long catalogue testifies. We are proud as that to put right in the minds again to be among Europe’s lead- of citizens. Regrettably, when we ers in this field. consider today’s polarized soci- One of the most ambitious new ety, with its scepticism towards works is 'A' for the Antarctic (see multiculturalism and tendency to p. 8), a concept encyclopaedia by fall for cheap manipulation, we are artist David Böhm that is a throw- forced to admit that his prophecy back to the 1960s, when the Czech has come true. One indicator which imagination set the tone in the does not reflect current disillusion- field of educational materials with ment with the barely mature open an artistic bent. Since the 1960s, society of the Czech Republic, children’s taste has changed, and however, concerns the liveliness of children’s minds are now more the publishing business, which at easily distracted. In showing the the moment of Havel’s appearance importance of preserving a place on 1 January 1990 was returning on the planet where nature can to the norms of freedom – with an make its own decisions, the au- appetite that suggested a depu- thor has borne in mind the child of tation of magicians had doused it today’s liking for the video clip. If with the ‘water of life’ of the fairy thieving humanity were to get in tales. And this trend persists to nature’s way, it would probably end such a degree that experts talk of up like the natural world of Taťána an overheated market. It has long Rubášová’s comics The Unexpected been the case that between 16,000 Robot Exodus (see p. 34), where the and 18,000 new book titles are vision of catastrophe is illustrated published annually, which in terms by Jindřich Janíček, winner of the of per capita consumption places Czech Grand Design prize. As things the Czech Republic (population 10 are, we have done great damage million) in the top five in the world. to the diversity of species on our Each year, the average citizen planet, as the An Encyclopaedia of buys 11 books, while the number Extinct Animals (see p. 22), with text of public libraries (one per 2,000 by Radek Malý, shows in grim but inhabitants), where more books splendid pictures. As we face up may be borrowed, is unparalleled to climate change, we have much elsewhere. The number of authors/ to learn from our neighbours in the artists and the quality of the print- natural world; indeed, according to ed product are on the rise – and Jiří Dvořák and Daniela Olejníková’s this is especially so with literature imaginative guide We Live Here! for children and young adults, a (see p. 14), we have been learning genre which accounts for one ninth from them systematically since the

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dawn of time. Voted a Most Beauti- succeeds in blocking the phone ful Czech Book of 2018, it contains signal and summoning the spirit of a simple aid that shows us what will the Golem. Set one hundred years happen if each of us continues to ago, Daniela Krolupperová’s Crown live at the expense of others. Trap (see p. 20) demonstrates to Differences of opinion are best the reader that when in Prague it is overcome by a return to our roots. important to keep your eyes peeled A case in point is philosopher Petr and your wits about you, regard- Koťátko’s tale of the benevolent less of the era you find yourself in. Mrs Majerová (see p. 16), which Another remarkably creative assures us that the world has lost book and winner of the Golden Rib- nothing of the linguistic magic by bon award is Here Comes the Doc- which Lewis Carroll thrilled the tor! (see p. 44), an unconventional child’s imagination a century and a history of medicine by a team of half ago. In the company of Tereza authors. The foldout picture-book Říčanová and Stanislav Setinský Let’s Gooo! (see p. 42) enters an in- we can head to the heart of Istan- teractive world of transport, where bul (see p. 36) and Jerusalem (see very young readers can give the p. 38) respectively, ancient places imagination free rein; its illustrator where people of different cultures Marie Urbánková was nominated have been trying to get along for for a Czech Grand Design award. two millennia. These books with More advanced readers can prac- original illustrations are the latest tise their skills with René Nekuda’s in an artists’ series begun by The Story Machine (see p. 28), in renowned promoter of thoughtful which a storytelling lab becomes tourism Miroslav Šašek. And what an instrument of discussion and of Prague? It may be fourth on understanding, setting the reader the list of the world’s most-visited on a course that is surely the start cities, but its mystique continues of something good. In his momen- to enthral foreigners and writers, tous essay ‘A Word about Words’, who would wish to defend it from Václav Havel discusses the miracle the ‘post-tourism’ of selfie-hunt- of human speech. Logocentrism ers and Hell’s Angels on Segways. still has the power to cure the ills

In his tale of the grotesque H2O of western civilization. What better and the Mad-eye Treasure (see p. time than now – when much of Eu- 40), wily Petr Stančik praises the rope is fumbling – for us to heed it? city from below, mole-like, while in the second part of the Dustzone Petr Matoušek trilogy (see p. 24), Vojtěch Matocha (for the authors of the catalogue) CzechLit – Czech Literary Centre is a state-funded organisation supporting and promoting Czech literature abroad and in the Czech Republic. The centre is a section of the Moravian Library.

The Czech Literary Centre: • Runs the bilingual website • Promotes prose, literature for czechlit.cz with information children and young adults, po- about books, authors, grants, etry, drama, comics, non-fiction residencies and Czech literature and new forms of literature news

• Acts as an information hub for • Cooperates with the network of foreign publishers, translators, Czech Centres, which promote Czech studies specialists, event Czech culture abroad, as well organisers and others interest- as with other governmental and ed in Czech literature non-governmental cultural and non-profit organisations and • Provides grants for authors to individuals attend cultural events abroad • Is involved in the presentation • Cooperates on international lit- of Czech literature at book fairs erature and translation projects abroad in cooperation with its with partner institutions abroad parent institution and in the Czech Republic • Holds the annual Susanna Roth • Organises residencies for for- Award for young translators of eign translators, Czech studies Czech literature specialists and authors

CONTACT US: Czech Literary Centre Národní dům nám. Míru 9 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic www.czechlit.cz [email protected]

6 7 David Böhm 'A' FOR THE ANTARCTIC – A VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Who hasn’t dreamed at least once of a team of polar explorers and artists what it would be like to live on a great (including comics artist Jiří Franta) white plain, with no trees and no for their valuable advice. The result permanent population? The continent of Böhm’s efforts at popularization at the very bottom of the Southern of his theme is a formally excellent Hemisphere forces people to think encyclopaedia which covers far more about the limits of human percep- than the harsh meteorological condi- tion and the bravery of those who set tions of the Antarctic and the resilient out through the blizzard for the icy fauna that live there; it is also about desert—above all Roald Amundsen, its interdependence with the global conqueror of the South Pole, and his ecosystem in which the continent plays ill-fated rival Robert Falcon Scott. such a crucial role, to the exclusion of At the end of the book, David Böhm armies. Using a combination of artistic employs a witty illustration to thank techniques, old maps, technical projec- tions, even photographs of cuddly toys, the author has created a publication Age 7+ whose illustrations the whole family can enjoy.

RIGHTS: Petra Nováková A JAKO ANTARKTIDA – POHLED Z DRUHÉ STRANY [email protected] Illustrated by the author Prague, Labyrint / Raketa 2019, 76 pages (some RIGHTS SOLD: foldout), ISBN 978-80-86803-56-2 Germany

8 9 10 11 Bára Dočkalová THE SECRET OF PEBBLE MOUNTAIN

In this fantasy story for older children, tales, our heroes overcome not only the queen suddenly appears at the very the strange creatures threatening the moment Ratty and Shorty fall from realm but also their own troubles. Bára the park into her endangered king- Dočkalová’s vivid, fast-flowing story dom. Ratty and Shorty have been up is high on emotion and packed with to no good on Earth’s surface, in the suspense. The girl and boy’s journey hope of joining up with the teenage of adventure is played out on Ronnie, toughs in the Gang. A cynic who is the last wild stallion, whose role gains as hard on herself as she is on others, in importance as the plot unfolds. The Ratty yearns in secret for her absent full-page illustrations by Petra Josefína father, while Shorty has low self-es- Stibitzová lose none of the suspense teem to contend with. With the help while providing a bridge to everyday of new friends from the land of fairy reality.

Age 9+

RIGHTS: Petra Nováková [email protected]

TAJEMSTVÍ OBLÁZKOVÉ HORY AWARDS: Illustrated by Petra Josefína Stibitzová The White Ravens 2019 Prague, Labyrint / Raketa 2018, 248 pages ISBN 978-80-86803-48-7 German sample translation available.

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požádala o pomoc! Mohl si vlastně gratulovat. Záleží na něm, jak dlouho nechá Krisu smažit se ve vlastní šťávě. Bude dělat, že jí pomá- há. Vymyslí nějaké složité a nebezpečné pátrání. A nakonec to nějak narafičí, aby si Krisa myslela, že pistoli našel s nasazením vlastního života. Ta bude čumět. Konečně ho trochu ocení. Ale v tomto okamžiku, na místě činu, mu ještě nebylo zcela volně. Přišlo to tak nějak bez varování a nyní si připadal jaksi bez nápadu a zdřevěnělý. „Dyť jsi řikala, že byla tma,“ zkusil to pomalu. „Mohlo to bejt klidně někde úplně jinde.“ „Nejsem blbá,“ odsekla Krisa, ale přesto se znovu rozhlížela po okolních stromech. „Třeba támhle,“ popoběhl Prcek k podobnému spletenci kořenů. „To už jsem zkoušela.“ Prcek si přesto dřepl a dělal, že hledá. V hlavě už se mu nořily první možnosti velkého plánu. Mohli by stopovat nějakého bezdomovce ze starého podchodu pod dálnicí. Prcek by mohl nechat Krisu, ať ho venku kryje, a sám neohroženě vniknout dovnitř. Podchod byl stra- šidelný i za bílého dne. Prcek si zamnul ruce. Zmizí Krise z dohledu, počká pár minut za zatáčkou, vytáhne revolver z kapsy a vyřítí se zpátky, jako že to bylo o fous, že se musel prát a málem nevyvázl. . . Nebo by mohl revolver před Krisinými zraky vylovit z Jezírka. Je- zírko byla kalná louže za Lesíkem, do které už lidé naházeli ledacos. Mohl by říct, že někoho pozoroval – „S-ss!“ vytrhlo ho náhle ze snění. Krisa stála několik metrů od něj přitisknutá ke kmeni a ukazovala někam mezi stromy. Zpozorněl, ale neviděl nic. Připlížil se k ní. Neslyšně se sesunula na zem. V jejím obličeji bylo napětí, oči nervózně těkaly od Prcka kamsi do dálky a zpátky k němu. „Tam!“ zašeptala přiškrceně a znovu napřáhla prst směrem k Pa- loučku. „Ta bába! Ta z parku!“ Prcek pořád neviděl nic, ale v Krisině hlase byla taková naléha- vost, že ho sevřela nepříjemná úzkost. Znovu se snažil zaostřit zrak

34 35 Jiří Dvořák, Daniela Olejníková WE LIVE HERE! STRANGE DWELLINGS OF ANIMALS AND PEOPLE

Side-printed with a tidy cover, this habitations. The semi-detached house publication will gladden the heart of puts us in mind of the symbiotic rela- every structuralist. For Jiří Dvořák, the tionship of crayfish and sea anemone, ‘encyclopaedia in stories’ is a proven while the snail’s shell, the birdhouse means for popularizing themes of and the stork’s nest are analogous with zoology and botany. Here, we follow the human caravan, hotel and light- the comparative method as we inspect house. Using two colour filters, last the dwellings of selected animals and year’s most beautiful Czech book for key themes from the discipline of children shows us where the inhabi- ethology. As Aristotle observed, the tants of our planet differ and where human is zoon politicon; yet according they are the same. Only by being good to Desmond Morris, we are also ‘naked neighbours can we guarantee our sur- apes’, so we shouldn’t be surprised vival—whether our home is a concrete by our natural inclination to ‘ape’ tower block or a termite mound. other creatures when we build our

Age 9+

RIGHTS: BYDLÍME! Baobab Publishers Illustrated by Daniela Olejníková [email protected] Prague, Baobab 2018, 32 unnumbered pages + red and green plastic film AWARDS: ISBN 978-80-7515-093-6 The Most Beautiful Czech Books 2018

14 15 Petr Koťátko ANNA, THE TALKING BROOK AND OTHER INMATES OF MRS MAJEROVÁ’S INSTITUTION

A talking infant, a chipmunk that talks Inspired by the history of a real or- in rhymes, inseparable dogs called phanage near Prague, Petr Koťátko’s Miss Liza and Miss Bertha, Crispin story flows through space-time loops the wise tortoise and talkative Brook, with occasional outspurts like a brook who delivers not only messages in endowed with the gift of speech. The bottles but also children who have prose ripples with poetry, and simple escaped from the weirdest nonsense illustrations by the author’s daughter written by Lewis Carroll. With subtle Eva flow between the pages in support skill, the narrator of this children’s of metaphors on the need for a secure story-cum-thriller steers us to an home and the flux, continuity and understanding of the order embodied stability of existence. As Heraclitus by the rules of Mrs Majerová’s insti- observed, while water flows forever, the tution, which takes in abandoned and bed of the brook remains in one place. seemingly insignificant creatures.

Age 6+

ANNA, MLUVÍCÍ POTOK A DALŠÍ CHOVANCI ÚSTAVU PANÍ MAJEROVÉ Illustrated by Eva Koťátková RIGHTS: Prague, Meander 2019, 162 pages Meander Publishers ISBN 978-80-7558-068-9 [email protected]

16 17 Robin Král, Aneta Františka Holasová TONI AND THE CIRCUS RIDER

“On the meadow, out beyond Třeboň/ The central theme of these octaves set where there’s space to spare/ they’re in South Bohemia is Toni the goat’s preparing something grand/ some- journey to the acrobat Hubert the hare, thing weird and rare./ Through a hole with whom she has fallen head over in the wall/ Toni the goat saw the heels in love. But as her pilgrimage splendour./ Maybe I’ll leave my shed/ takes her from pillar to post, Toni for the terrace, she said.” Brought comes to realize that there’s no place to life in a large-format foldout like home. This fable in verse will picture-book with watercolours in delight all readers, regardless of their purples, pinks and greys by Aneta age, while there are details in the pic- Františka Holasová, Robin Král’s new tures for everyone to enjoy. poem is charming and humorous.

Age 4+

TONČA & KRASOJEZDEC Illustrated by Aneta Františka Holasová Prague, Běžíliška 2019, foldout picture-book RIGHTS: with 14 unnumbered pages Běžíliška Publishers ISBN 978-80-907052-5-8 [email protected]

18 19 Daniela Krolupperová CROWN TRAP

In frosty February 1919 the republic the nick of time in uncovering a treach- of Czechoslovakia is still a ‘babe in erous plot, in the process revealing all arms’. But foreign powers are already kinds of things about the prevailing probing for its weak points. Daniela mentality of the time and the position Krolupperová, a lover of excursions of children in society, as well as their into Czech history, has placed this joys and sorrows, duties and pastimes. thriller in the distinctive setting of This classic, persuasive adventure Prague’s Podskalí, at a time when the fiction is ably supported by highly success of the currency reform hangs expressive, self-assured illustrations by in the balance. Two inquisitive boys Barbora Kyšková, a splendid artist on and their seriously ill friend succeed in historical themes.

Age 12+

RIGHTS: Albatros Publishers PAST NA KORUNU [email protected] Illustrated by Barbora Kyšková Prague, Albatros 2018, 144 pages AWARDS: ISBN 978-80-00-05254-0 Golden Ribbon 2019 – Literary Section

20 21 Radek Malý, Pavel Dvorský, Jiří Grbavčic AN ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF EXTINCT ANIMALS

The animals in the realistic pictures Homo sapiens has brought down an in this encyclopaedia can do no more avalanche we have come to know as the than look out at us, as the one thing sixth mass extinction. The forty entries they share is their extinction. Although and their full-page illustrations com- some ended their contribution to di- prise a remarkable work of reference versity on Earth long before the start of for young scientists, as well as giving the Christian era, others received their them food for thought. We learn how death certificates relatively recently. the huia—a bird with beautiful tail Many perished because of changes in feathers—was made to pay for human climate over which our ancestors had vanity, even though it was regarded no influence. In recent centuries, how- as sacred by Maori New Zealanders, ever, the rash narcissism of the species how the fate of the Zanzibar leopard was sealed by primitive superstition, and how the Chinese river dolphin was Age 10+ driven to extinction by the building of a huge dam. The grim list ends with the Neanderthals, whose co-existence with the modern human means that each of us has two percent Neanderthal genes.

ATLAS VYHUBENÝCH ŽIVOČICHŮ Illustrated by Pavel Dvorský and Jiří Grbavčic RIGHTS: Prague, Albatros / B4U Publishing 2019, 88 pages Albatros Publishers ISBN 978-80-00-05360-8 [email protected]

22 23 Vojtěch Matocha DUSTZONE: BLACK MERCURIDE

The second part of a trilogy about in bursts of several pages without Dustzone, a run-down old quarter dialogue, it always holds the read- of Prague, is a cause for celebration er’s attention. As they journey to a for teenage readers; after a series of place without working electricity or honourable imitators, here at last is magnetism, let alone wireless tech- someone who can match Jaroslav nology, tenacious amateur detective Foglar for sophistication. Although Jirka and gifted mathematician En Vojtěch Matocha bows to the master encounter secrets on matters taboo for on a number of occasions, his fiction- their families. As they search for the al, action-packed world is vigorously black mercuride invented by Hanuš autonomous. Although the prose flows Nápravník, who was once a rival of František Křižík and Alfred Nobel, they must first uncover the connec- tion between this mercury-based fuel Age 9+ and super-powerful explosive and a monster hidden for decades in tunnels beneath Dustzone. And they are in a race against time to find the Golem, for those who live in these parts have darkness in their soul and are repelled by incomers.

RIGHTS: Agáta Dolejší [email protected]

PRAŠINA: ČERNÝ MERKURIT RIGHTS SOLD: Illustrated by Karel Osoha Slovakia Prague, Paseka 2019, 264 pages ISBN 978-80-7432-989-0 English sample translation available.

24 25 Marka Míková THE HOUSE IN RUGOLO

Challenging in terms of concept and mysterious out-of-the-way places. His graphic design, this book has a dual niece has drawn on impressions from objective. The base storyline describes a less-than-calm holiday spent there by events in the lives of Czech twin sisters her parents. Each chapter of this novel during a summer spent with their opens with a black-and-white illustra- uncle in Rugolo, Italy. This relative tion by Jindra Čapek, a close friend of is not a mere product of the author’s Zavřel who, like the artist, was active imagination: Štěpán Zavřel settled in for the Bohempress publishing house this village near Venice after his dra- in exile. This book is a fine souvenir matic flight from his homeland in 1959, for those familiar with sunny Italy and his cultural and spiritual legacy and attuned to the charms of a girls’ here is considerable. He lived in a fab- holiday. Plus, it is a splendid memorial ulous house filled with drawings and to Marka Míková’s illustrious uncle.

Age 10+

RIGHTS: Jiří Weiner DŮM V RUGOLU [email protected] Illustrated by Štěpán Zavřel and Jindra Čapek Prague, Book Dock 2019, 188 pages Italian sample translation available. ISBN 978-80-88066-16-3 [email protected]

26 27 René Nekuda THE STORY MACHINE

Four illustrators worked on René scene is bottom-left, while top-right Nekuda’s The Story Machine, in which is for props and bottom-right is for the reader creates their own story. activities and qualities. The prompts Three of these illustrators are involved are simple to use: having opened the with Raketa, the popular ‘magazine for book at random, the reader/player is the children of clever parents’: Johana challenged to tell a story and perform Švejdíková is joint editor-in-chief, tasks involving drawing, writing, stick- while Aneta Františka Holasová and ing-in and folding. Storymakers young Marie Urbánková are regular contrib- and old move up through four levels utors. Each spread in the book sets an of eloquence, from novice to master, art assignment, which the reader can encountering in the process a detec- complete creatively or use as a basis for tive, a pirate, a magician, a robber/ an idea of their own. In every page-cor- do-gooder, a confused teacher and a ner is a word or phrase whose role is retired werewolf. immovable: characters are top-left, the

Age 5+

RIGHTS: PŘÍBĚHOSTROJ Petra Nováková Illustrated by Aneta Františka Holasová, Tereza [email protected] Lukešová, Johana Švejdíková and Marie Urbánková Prague, Labyrint / Raketa 2019, 136 unnumbered pages RIGHTS SOLD: ISBN 978-80-86803-52-4 China, Russia, Republic of Korea

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nepovedený princ lano BORŮVKOVÝ LES

Tohle jsou obyvatelé Borůvkového lesa. Každému dej nějaké jméno a vlastnosti. Vymysli příběh, jak se vypořádají s pytlákem. Vylosuj si v levém dolním rohu místo, kam ho vylákají. A pomůže jim předmět, který si vylosuješ v pravém horním rohu na libovolné stránce.

mýtina slib

pes podivný mikrofon

SBÍRKA DUŠÍ

V rybníce žije vodník Karel, který už má pěknou sbírku dušiček. Zkus vyprávět příběhy lidí, kteří jsou v jeho hrnečcích ukrytí. Proč se asi utopili? Provedli něco špatného? Když se ti to povede, třeba je tím vysvobodíš... Opět platí, že některé postavy si můžeš vylosovat.

muzeum lež Markéta Pilátová THE GORILLA’S TALE

When interviewing Marek Ždánský, the kind of ‘Mowgli in reverse’, he consid- keeper at Prague Zoo with whom she ers himself human. Kamba’s evocative co-authored the book The Gorilla’s Dad description of his native jungle guides (2013), Markéta Pilátová was greatly him to an understanding of what he moved by the tragic story of the male truly is; his return to his true self gorilla Pong. Pong grew up in dreadful culminates in his appreciation of the isolation in the private menagerie of an enticing smell of young female apes. Arab sheikh, having been caught in the Pong’s soul-searching—which is hu- jungle by poachers. After his arrival at man, even universal in scope—raises the apes’ enclosure of Prague Zoo, it a number of questions about the ethics took Pong a full year to be accepted by of keeping animals in captivity. At the other gorillas, acceptance achieved long last, Pong ceases to be a victim of thanks largely to a seasoned female human domination. But soon after he called Kamba—only for Pong’s longed- escapes the cage of doubt in his imagi- for home to be swept away in a flood. nation, the bars of his true captivity are Pilátová tells a touching story about washed away by the raging elements. a search for identity and the right to The book does not allow him to drown self-determination. In a classic exam- in the flood, however. Instead, it sends ple of Stockholm syndrome, Pong at him back to his paradise home in the first identifies with his captors—as a rainforest.

Age 8+

CO VYPRÁVĚLA GORILA Illustrated by Daniel Michalík RIGHTS: Prague, Novela bohemica 2019, 56 pages Novela Bohemica Publishers ISBN 978-80-87683-95-8 [email protected]

30 31 Milada Rezková, Lukáš Urbánek DOCTOR GULL IN FULL

Doctor Gull is quite a guy! Thanks to inspiring, kindly lesson in verse that is him, we have this whopping great vol- sure to entertain children of kindergar- ume of all nineteen great comic stories ten age. For good measure, they have from the favourite children's magazine added a choice between two envelopes called Raketa. A hard-working chil- of different colours. What’s more, at dren’s doctor, he treats complaints and the very beginning of the joyride with ailments in his office before getting Doctor Gull, there is a twentieth, new on to his motorbike and riding off to story, in which we learn of the diffi- perform good deeds in the service of culties surrounding the birth of our climbers, canoeists and palaeontolo- favourite healer, featuring a Hawaiian gists. We find him at a masquerade, on shirt and the family of the legendary a football pitch, even at the Grand Prix. fisherman Popper from the Berounka Here and there, Milada Rezková and River, who make occasional Dada-like Lukáš Urbánek spice the mix with an appearances in the book.

Age 5+

RACKOMIX Illustrated by Lukáš Urbánek RIGHTS: Prague, Labyrint / Raketa 2019, 136 pages Petra Nováková ISBN 978-80-86803-53-1 [email protected]

32 33 Taťána Rubášová, Jindřich Janíček WILLIAM & MERIWETHER: THE UNEXPECTED ROBOT EXODUS

In the comics adventure Podivuhodná disaster, the city is governed by a robotí expedice (A Remarkable Robot commune whose cops are a menace; Expedition) two highly intelligent at every turn our heroes encounter a machines bearing the Christian names ‘scrapyard’ of a former civilization, so of William Clark and Meriwether discovering ever more ‘spare parts of Lewis—prospectors in the American ancestors’. As you can see, this dys- Wild West—experienced a feeling topia has very little in common with familiar from the final scene of the the intergalactic squabbles of comics movie Planet of the Apes. But their mis- series such as Futurama. At the heart of sion didn’t end there. On their return Taťána Rubášová’s cyberballad is mis- to base, their processors are emitting understanding: our metal heroes have sparks of horror. Facing an ecological no idea of the wickednesses humans have committed against each other Age 12+ and the natural world. In creating an error-strewn tragicomedy, whose bitter humour may appeal to university stu- dents of maths and physics, the author employs linguistic means to highlight distance by misunderstanding.

WILLIAM & MERIWETHER: NEOČEKÁVANÝ ROBOTÍ EXODUS Illustrated by Jindřich Janíček RIGHTS: Prague, Labyrint 2019, 96 pages Petra Nováková ISBN 978-80-87260-98-2 [email protected]

34 35 Tereza Říčanová THIS IS ISTANBUL

Baobab Publishers continues to add Sophia cathedral most prominent to its series of To je… (This Is…) guides amongst them). Encyclopaedia-type to great cities of the world, which was spreads with vertical pull-tabs are a started sixty years ago by artist-in- splendid aid for an understanding of exile Miroslav Šašek (1916–1980). Now the erstwhile centre of the defunct it is the turn of a new set of writers Byzantine Empire. The everyday life of to impress us by their unique grasp the city is addressed through portraits of their topic. Tereza Říčanová shows of its inhabitants and explanations us Istanbul as a two-millennia-old of Muslim rituals. This Is Istanbul is megalopolis straddling Europe and a precise, well-crafted, entertaining Asia, where voices of muezzins and children’s guide to Turkey’s largest street vendors ring out, the streets are city, which is often referred to as the thick with tavernas, and world-famous gateway to the Orient. buildings reach for the sky (the Hagia

Age 8+

RIGHTS: Baobab Publishers TO JE ISTANBUL [email protected] Illustrated by the author Prague, Baobab 2018, 64 unnumbered pages RIGHTS SOLD: ISBN 978-80-7515-078-3 Germany

36 37 Stanislav Setinský THIS IS JERUSALEM

Today’s Jerusalem has emerged from develop the information content of the thousands of years of building and book: full-page illustrations in vivid demolition, with nations victorious colours alternate with small scenes and nations defeated, in which three which draw on metaphor to highlight cultures have met in dramatic, often points of interest. The dome on the turbulent circumstances. In Stanislav temple on Mount Zion is not all that is Setinský’s unconventional guidebook, round; so, too, are the kippa skullcap, we are taken round the city’s districts, pitta bread and the ubiquitous falafel. modern and orthodox alike, by a Czech Explanatory notes on pilgrim sites are called Honza, whose beret stands out given at the very end, so making our among the hats, yarmulkes, chapkas reading something of a knowledge and headscarves in the knot of streets contest—although not every question in the Old City. Instead of cakes, in requires an answer, of course. As our his bundle he is carrying a length of young readers may one day make their ‘tourist’s’ salami. Honza is not without own way to Jerusalem, the author self-deprecation as he considers cul- has added basic words of Arabic and tural differences and commonalities. Hebrew. It is from these that the illustrations Age 8+

RIGHTS: Baobab Publishers TO JE JERUZALÉM [email protected] Illustrated by the author Prague, Baobab 2019, 52 pages RIGHTS SOLD: ISBN 978-80-7515-077-6 Germany

38 39 Petr Stančík H2O AND THE MAD-EYE TREASURE

Schoolkids Hubert, Hugo and The author’s unfettered creativity

Ophelia—otherwise known as the H2O has produced a lush burlesque with rapid-response unit—are working on nods to the genres of pulp and noir, their second case, in which the dis- as evidenced by lampposts attached covery of an optical reducer sending to underground passages, a Metro our heroes to the microcosmos is a railway more Gothic than the one we major player in the action. Only in a know from drawings from 1940, to teeny-airship or a mini-submarine say nothing of raids performed by the can they get to the top and bottom of lowlife who have set their minds on things. Out of the nameless town of robbing the state bank. Petr Stančík their first adventure, where our junior would agree with fellow author strike force battled fiercely for the local Günter Grass’s claim that the most waterworks, a tourist-infested capital pious literary minds express the most city of a hundred spires has emerged. beautiful blasphemies; there can be no This time, the element under threat is doubt that this applies to Stančík’s love time itself, as measured by the astro- of Prague. nomical clock in the Old Town Square.

Age 10+

H2O A POKLAD ŠÍLENÉHO OKA Illustrated by Galina Miklínová RIGHTS: Horoměřice, Abramis 2018, 88 pages Maria Sileny ISBN 978-80-87618-02-8 [email protected]

40 41 Ester Stará, Marie Urbánková LET’S GOOO!

The reader with a yen for discovery sailor dries his socks, or what buried has a valid ticket for all road vehicles, treasure the digger operator has just train, water- and airborne vessels that passed over. Our very young explor- sweep through this beautifully bound ers are guided by a fly called Elka, as publication. Couplets commenting on imaginative as she is inconspicuous. the pictures urge the playful reader to Elka makes up for the fact that she has pull up on every double-page spread no ticket by keeping a photographic to investigate the slide-out features record. Another buried treasure in the and flaps, which serve to give the book is its interactive nature: readers illustrations an extra dimension. Only who wish to continue the journey in this way can the reader learn what under their own steam may cut out a family takes on holiday, how snacks the vehicles from the loose insert and are eaten in the cab of a truck, where a move them about the foldout map.

Age 3+

JEDÉÉÉM! Illustrated by Marie Urbánková Prague, POP – PAP 2018, 28 unnumbered pages RIGHTS: + loose insert with foldout poster and 2 pages of cutouts POP-PAP ISBN 978-80-906625-9-9 [email protected]

42 43 Petr Svobodný, Robin Král, Nikola Logosová, Zuzana Lednická HERE COMES THE DOCTOR! HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN SEVEN DAYS

This seven-day tour through the to think about how the ancestors of to- history of medicine will familiarize day’s ‘white coats’ would have dealt with every family with cranial trepanation these ailments. Petr Svobodný’s text as performed by shamans, the origins moves in concentric circles away from of the Hippocratic Oath, the scale of a thematic core, its educational content the plague epidemics of the Middle lightened by Robin Král’s humorous Ages, and public autopsies at univer- rhymes. Nikola Logosová’s illustrations sities in Renaissance times; it also and imaginative graphics by Zuzana spares a few words for Freud’s famous Lednická remind us of the meticulous- couch. Each day of the week addresses ly detailed drawings of the herbaria a certain kind of pain or features a and anatomy atlases of yore, although check-up with a specialist, so allowing the hyperbole used by the author to us to consider achievements of modern get under patients’ skin is an eloquent medicine we often take for granted and reflection of the attitude of humanity to the body in the 21st century and to Age 10+ those it entrusts with its care.

RIGHTS: POZOR DOKTOR! DĚJINY MEDICÍNY V SEDMI DNECH František Havlůj Illustrated by Nikola Logosová; graphic design [email protected] by Zuzana Lednická Prague, Běžíliška 2018, 96 pages + poster AWARDS: ISBN 978-80-907052-3-4 Golden Ribbon 2019 – Art Section

44 45 46 47 Grants for publishing Czech literature abroad

Every year, the Czech Ministry of Culture awards grants to support the publication of Czech prose, poetry, drama, essays, comics and children’s literature abroad. The grants cover books, excerpts and magazines.

BOOKS EXCERPTS

Publishers can apply for Publishers, agents and funding for: translators can apply for funding for: • translation costs (up to 50% of the total cost • the translation of an excerpt of of publishing) between 10–25 standard pages • graphic design, typesetting (1,800 characters with spaces) and printing costs (up to 50% of the total cost of publishing) MAGAZINES • copyright costs (up to 15% of the total cost Magazines can apply for of publishing) funding for: • promotion costs (up to 25% of the total cost • translation costs (up to 50% of of publishing) the total cost of publishing) of an issue where at least 50% In total, the grant can cover up to of the total content is dedicated 70% of the total cost of publishing. to original Czech literature

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS APPLICATION DEADLINES

• completed application form • 15 th May for books and excerpts • contract with the copyright to be published in the same year holder as the application is submitted • contract with the translator • 15 th November for books and (applies only to publishers and excerpts to be published in the literary agents) following year after the applica- • CV and translator’s qualifications tion is submitted (education, translated titles) • the publishing plan for this year and next year (applies only to publishers)

PAYMENT CONDITIONS

• The grant is paid to the appli- cant after the book / magazine has been published or excerpt has been translated. Proof of this has to be sent to the Minis- try of Culture (for details see the grant application form).

CONTACT PERSON: Radim Kopáč, Ministry of Culture Czech Republic [email protected] +420 257 085 221

For more information visit: www.mkcr.cz/literature-and-libraries-1123. html?lang=en Travel grants

The Czech Literary Centre offers subsidies to support Czech au- thors travelling to literary events abroad (festivals, readings, book launches, lectures, debates etc.). The applicant can be an event organiser or an author.

Event organisers can request support for appearance fees, travel expenses, meal allowances, accommodation, promotion, inter- preting and moderation costs. The subsidy can cover up to 70% of total costs for the event.

Authors can request support for appearance fees, travel expenses and meal allowances. The subsidy can cover up to 100% of the total costs. Accommodation is provided by the event organiser.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS • Authors: can receive 50% of the awarded amount within 15 days • completed application form after the presentation of the • budget for the event (applies planned event in the organisers only to event organisers) materials (on the basis of docu- mentation proving the author’s travel expenses and proof of the PAYMENT CONDITIONS author’s presence at the event) and the remaining 50% on the • Event organisers: can receive basis of a final report, invoices 40% of the awarded amount be- and documentation. Alternative- fore the event (based on an in- ly, they can receive 100% of the voice and proof that the author awarded amount after the event will be taking part in the event) on the basis of a final report, and 60% after the event on the invoices and documentation. basis of a final report, invoices and documentation. Alternative- ly, they can receive 100% of the APPLICATION DEADLINES awarded amount after the event on the basis of a final report, • 31 st March (for the period invoices and documentation. of 15th May to 15th October) • 31 st August (for the period of 15th October to 15th December) • 31 st October (for the period of 1st January to 15th March)

For more information visit: 50 www.czechlit.cz/en/grant/travel 51 Selected literary awards in the Czech Republic

MAGNESIA LITERA GOLDEN RIBBON AWARDS AWARDS

Magnesia Litera is a set of annual With more than 20 years of Czech literary awards in many tradition, annual Golden Ribbon categories noticeably covered prizes have been awarded to by the media which has been the authors of the best books for awarded by the Litera Association children and the young published in cooperation with sponsors since in the Czech language. The Golden 2002. The main award, The Book Ribbon is the only award in the of the Year, features a financial Czech Republic focusing solely on bonus of CZK 200,000. children’s literature. The prize is organised by the Czech Section of IBBY. MOST BEAUTIFUL CZECH BOOKS AWARDS

The Most Beautiful Czech Books of the Year competition looks at the polygraphy, graphic and illustrative aspects of books that are published by Czech publishers and printed by Czech printing companies during the previous calendar year. The award is bestowed in seven categories and students works category. The Moravian Library

The presentation of Czech book culture at book fairs abroad has a long tradition. The Moravian Library, one of the leading Czech heritage institutions, has been in charge of coordinating the Ministry of Culture’s national expositions since 2014. In coop- eration with the Ministry of Culture, authorities of Czech literary culture and Czech Centres abroad, the Moravian Library focus- es not only on presenting major publishing houses but also on small publishers and printers. Significant Czech literary awards and their winners, along with a selection of current fiction and non-fiction are presented within the framework of a thematic national exposition. The accompanying cultural programme aims at bringing Czech authors together in the form of discussions and readings, especially at the Leipzig Book Fair (focused primarily on translations) or at the most important venue, the Frankfurt Book Fair. Czech book culture is presented in a similar scope also at the book fair in Bologna, which focuses on books for children, and at the London Book Fair. The Moravian Library is also the parent organisation of the Czech Literary Centre, which supports and promotes Czech literature abroad and in the Czech Republic.

Moravian Library Kounicova 65a 601 87 Brno Czech Republic www.mzk.cz [email protected]

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Written and edited by: Jana Čeňková, Petr Matoušek, Milena Šubrtová

Published for promotional purposes by the Czech Literary Centre

Czech Literary Centre Národní dům nám. Míru 9 120 00 Prague 2 Czech Republic

www.czechlit.cz/en [email protected] +420 770 134 755

facebook: CzechLit – Czech Literature Online twitter: @czechlit1

Czech Books for Children and Young Adults 2020

Brno: Moravská zemská knihovna, 2020 ISBN 978-80-7051-284-5

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