Little kitty fell in love with the theatre
Children meeting cultural institutions: Theatre
| Author | Ivanka Ferenčić Martinčić |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Nikolina Dinješ |
| Original Title | Zašto se maca zaljubila u kazalište |
| ISBN | 978-953-8008-91-7 |
| Format | hardcover |
| Pages | 32 |
| Size | 20,5x20,5 cm |
| Age range | Early learning (2 – 6) |
| Categories | Art and culture, Heartworming stories |
|---|---|
| Tag | Children and Culture series |
Little girl Emma was very afraid of the dark. She needed her soft, plush kitten to protect her and they loved to hug before they fell asleep. One day, Emma and her kindergarten group went to visit the theatre. She brought her plush kitty with her too. And just as the play with the fairy was coming to life and magic started to happen, Emma got scared and the teacher took her outside. While they were making their way through the rows of chairs, Emma lost her kitty, who was left alone in the theatre. Fortunately, a kind actor found her and took her backstage. Kitty got to know the theatre and all its people, she even got a role in the play and so became part of the theatre magic.
This picture book takes children through a place where stories are created and brought to life on stage. The main character, a plush kitten toy, gets to know the departments of a theatre, theatre employees such as costume designers, scenography experts, and directors. By reading this story, children will learn about the theatre as a place of imagination, wonder, creative expression, and beauty that they will be happy to visit throughout their lives.
However, maybe the greatest value of this picture book is in its attempt to encourage children to explore and be curious, to travel to a wondrous and interesting world that can stimulate imagination and creativity in the present.
The picture book is also our recognition to all theatre professionals and workers who work tirelessly to create new and interesting worlds for us and inspire a love of culture and art in children.
Author: Ivanka Ferenčić Martinčić
Ivanka Ferenčić Martinčić is a Croatian author, storyteller, and librarian, born in 1983 in the Podravina region, where she continues to live and work. She earned a dual degree in Library Science and Croatian Language and Literature from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Following her studies, she worked in various school and city libraries. In 2012, Ivanka published her first children’s book, and has written several picture books since then.
Her picture books were included in many projects that encourage reading among children and “Good Books for Children” lists.
In 2022, she ventured into adult fiction with her debut urban fantasy thriller, “Krv mojih predaka” (“Blood of My Ancestors”) which have turned into “Blood, Bones, and Ash” trilogy.
Ivanka is a certified heritage interpreter and has completed a year-long informal storytelling study, earning the title of Master Storyteller.
Illustrator: Nikolina Dinješ
Nikolina Dinješ is a Croatian illustrator and graphic designer from Osijek, specializing in children’s publishing. With over 16 years of experience in graphic design, she has honed her skills across all stages of prepress and is proficient in both digital and offset techniques. Her artistic journey has led her to collaborate on various projects, notably illustrating the children’s books. She masterfully uses colour, light, and shadow to capture the unique atmosphere and convey the characters’ emotions. Nikolina’s passion for aesthetics and illustration has connected her with diverse individuals and projects, resulting in positive societal and personal changes. She finds joy in creating illustrations for children, often drawing inspiration from their imaginative world. Beyond her professional endeavours, Nikolina is a mother of two beautiful daughters, who inspire her daily. She cherishes spending quality time with her family, whether it’s cooking delightful treats in the kitchen or organizing movie nights with popcorn.
