Basne i bajke

Looking for a book that children will love and adults will secretly leaf through? Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić's Fables and Fairy Tales are just that: short, warm, and clever stories in which animals speak human language, and little heroes go through trials that still affect us today. Each incident fits into a few pages, yet leaves that “aha!” moment: about freedom and responsibility, truth and vanity, laziness and diligence. There is no heavy moralizing — the lesson comes naturally, with gentle humor and melodic sentences that are easy to read aloud.

Inside, you will find that recognizable Brlić mix: fables that reflect our flaws and virtues, and fairy tales with miraculous details (the advice of a wise helper, symbolic trials, gifts that are only valid when shared). The composition is clean, the pace lively, and the language rich and accessible. Ideal for evening “just one more!”, but also for the classroom, because it opens up conversations about important matters without lifting a finger.

This 1943 edition has a special charm: it is rare on the market as an antiquarian, and complete copies with the original binding are real little treasures. Due to war and post-war circumstances, editions were limited, so today's offers are uneven — that's why collectors especially value well-preserved copies (and a signature or an old ex libris raise a smile and value). Vladimir Žedrinski's illustrations give vintage elegance and a clear visual rhythm; each scene "fits" nicely with the point and makes reading even more attractive.