Sharing Illustrated Serbian Fairy Tales with the World
I'm happy to announce the publication of two volumes of illustrated Serbian fairy tales in English and German translations. This collection brings together classic tales from Serbia's rich storytelling tradition, including some of the most beloved stories that have been passed down through generations.
The Stories and Their Origins
At the heart of these volumes are the timeless tales collected by Vuk Stefanović Karadžić and other 19th-century folklorists. Stories like "King Trojan's Goat Ears" and "The Castle Neither in the Sky Nor on the Ground" have become treasured classics that generations of Serbian children have grown up with. The collection also features valuable works gathered by other notable collectors including Đorđe Kojanov Stefanović, Kosta Ristić, Vasa Lončarski, Mojo Medić, S. Novaković and Jovan B. Vojinović.
To these traditional tales, I've added a personal touch by including stories from my own childhood - tales that my grandparents shared with me. "Which Girl is the Cleanest?" appears in Volume 1, and "The Rooster and the Hen" in Volume 2, both stories that I heard many times while sitting at my grandparents' knees.
A Journey Through Serbian Culture
These stories showcase the depth of Serbian storytelling tradition. Within their pages, you'll find mythological beings like vila (fairies) and dragons alongside tales of princes and princesses. The heroes come in many forms - some rely on their physical strength, others on their wit and cleverness, while a few possess both. Many stories share timeless wisdom through humor, weaving together ancient beliefs with Christian teachings. You'll find both grand adventures filled with magical creatures and thoughtful tales that carry moral lessons.
The Illustrations
Each story comes with its own illustration, aiming to capture the magic and spirit of these traditional tales for contemporary readers.
Who These Books Are For
I hope these books will find their way to:
- Parents wanting to share Serbian heritage with their children
- Anyone interested in exploring Serbian culture
- People who enjoy discovering folk tales from different traditions
- Readers curious about how stories evolve across cultures and generations
Where to Find the Books
Both volumes are available worldwide through Amazon in paperback and hardcover, in both English and German translations.
Illustrated Serbian Fairy Tales (2 book series - English version)
Illustrierte Serbische Märchen (Serie mit 2 Büchern - German Version)
Looking Ahead
A third volume is currently in preparation, as there are still many wonderful stories waiting to be shared. My hope is that these translations will help preserve these precious tales and make them accessible to readers who might not otherwise have the chance to experience them in their original language.
Through this project, I aim to help keep these stories alive for new generations, sharing both the well-known classics and some lesser-known gems from Serbia's rich storytelling tradition.
