The stories in this collection are different, both in the choice of writing method and in the approach to the topic.
They are all connected by the same motif, namely the motifs of traditional toys from the Croatian Zagorje region, and the writing style varies from fantastical expression bordering on dystopia, to realistic short stories, the form of a classic fairy tale and fantasy.
The title story, "The Little Hero," is about a boy who shows courage and awareness in difficult wartime circumstances – a typical example of literature that celebrates moral virtues and resistance during wartime.
The book "Fairy Tales of Old Times" by Charles Perrault, published in 1974, is a collection of classic fairy tales that have profoundly influenced European literature and culture.
At a time when he peacefully grazed the lush grass next to his mother in his native green valley, the beautiful young stallion, Black Beauty, could not even dream of all the adventures that would befall him in the future.
"The Fifteen-Year-Old Captain" is an adventure novel that follows young Dick Sand, a fifteen-year-old boy who takes command of the ship Pilgrim after the captain and crew are killed.
Mladost, 1963.
Croatian. Latin alphabet. Paperback with dust jacket.