Stories that Build Bridges Between Cultures: The Golden Book of Slovak Fairy Tales Presented at the Expo 2027 Playground
As part of the “Read for Humanity” national campaign, the Expo 2027 Playground today hosted the presentation of The Golden Book of Slovak Fairy Tales, published by the Archives of Vojvodina. This beautifully crafted edition, intended for young readers, brings together some of the most enchanting tales from Slovak Folk Legends (Prostonárodné slovenské povesti) by Pavol Dobšinský, one of Slovakia’s most prominent collectors of traditional folk stories.
The book, translated and adapted by Zdenka Valent Belić, revives the magical world of folk heritage and the shared Slavic roots that connect nations. Speaking about the publication, Mirko Marković, a renowned children’s literature critic and long-time President of the Assembly of the Zmaj’s Children’s Games festival, emphasised the importance of illustration and imagination in nurturing a love for reading:
“Fairy tales must be illustrated, because that is the age when the habit of reading is formed and love for books begins; illustrations spark a child’s imagination,” said Marković. “Reading is part of our past, but it is also part of our future.”
He added that the need for fairy tales remains strong, and that the Archives of Vojvodina, as the publisher, has given them special significance by preserving lasting cultural values through this collection.
“While literature strives for new forms of expression and language, the archive records and remembers – the value of this book lies in the fact that it unites all of these elements in one place: beauty, permanence, and meaning,” Marković concluded.
The “Read for Humanity” campaign, initiated by EXPO 2027 doo Belgrade, is inspired by the International Belgrade Book Fair and by the idea that reading connects people, cultures, and generations. Just as the heroes of fairy tales create a better world through good deeds, this initiative promotes reading as an act that strengthens community and contributes to the common good. For every 27 hours spent reading at the Expo 2027 Playground during the campaign, one tree will be planted in the future Expo Park, a symbol of the lasting legacy of the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
As a reminder, within the “Read for Humanity” campaign, on Sunday, 2 November at 4 PM, the Expo 2027 Playground will host the presentation of a remarkable edition dedicated to the illuminations of the Miroslav Gospel, followed by a creative workshop for children exploring ancient manuscripts and the art of decorative lettering.
EXPO 2027 doo Belgrade invites all lovers of the written word to visit the Expo 2027 Playground during the International Belgrade Book Fair – the entrance is free - and, by reading exceptional works of Serbian and world literature, to contribute through their own example to this meaningful initiative.
