The strange adventures of the apprentice Hlapić is the first novel by Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić and the first Croatian novel for children. Published in 1913, it became the prototype of a children's novel in Croatian literature. It has a realistic origin, but
Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić's classic follows the good little apprentice Hlapić as he flees from the cruel master Roko. On his seven-day journey with the girl Gita, he performs good deeds and overcomes numerous obstacles.
The work brings together a gallery of colorful characters – family members, village neighbors, teachers, friends – who shape Ćopić's childish view of the world.
The selection of Vjenceslav Novak's novels includes those from the school reading list: "Gluttony and Misery", "U glib", "The Narrative", "From the Great Underground" and others.