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Kite in the Pear Tree is a beautiful children's picture book from 2022 written by Miroslav Cmuk and illustrated by the talented Mihael Bađun. It was published by Sipar in a large format (26 × 26 cm, 28 pages, hardcover) – perfect for reading aloud to parents and children aged 4 to 8.

The story follows two brothers: the older Gustav (12 years old), who loves to make kites out of paper, and the younger Antun (6 years old), a real climber who loves to climb trees. One Saturday day, Gustav makes a new kite. The brothers go to test it out in the meadow together. The kite soars beautifully high into the sky, but suddenly the wind snatches it and carries it straight into the crown of a tall pear tree!

Antun, a brave little climber, immediately climbs the tree to save the kite. This unexpected event brings the brothers even closer together and helps them think about their dreams and future careers. In kindergarten, they talked about “what you will be when you grow up”, and Antun didn’t know the answer until then. Thanks to the kite and his brother, he now understands better what makes him happy and what is important – imagination, courage, help and family.

The picture book is warm, optimistic and full of childish joy. Cmuk’s text is simple, rhythmic and understandable to the youngest, while at the same time carrying a beautiful message about brotherly solidarity and discovering one’s own talents. Bađun’s illustrations are vivid, colourful and dynamic – they perfectly evoke the wind, the height of the treetops, children’s curiosity and the happiness on the brothers’ faces. Each page invites the child to observe the details for a long time: paper kites, leaves, clouds and happy faces.

The Dragon in the Pear Tree is an ideal picture book for talking to children about dreams, fear of heights, helping and how everyone can be good at something special. Children will easily identify with Antun and Gustav, and parents will enjoy the warmth of the family story.

This picture book was also noted in competitions for the best Croatian picture book and is used in art and literary workshops in schools and libraries. It is recommended to anyone who wants to give their children a story about imagination, courage and love between brothers.