Polish writer Mikolaj Pa’s book “Balonu iela 5” is published

The publishing house “Latvijas Mediji” has launched the children’s book “Balonu iela 5” by the Polish writer Mikolaj Pa (real name Mikolajs Pasińskis). It is a funny story about friendship, about different neighbors and their unusual talents. The book encourages acceptance of differences. Translated from Poland by Māris Salējs, with illustrations by Gosia Herba.

Mikolajs Pasińskis and Gosia Herba are a duo of author and illustrator from Poland who together have created several picture books for children, always characterized by a humorous approach to art and creativity. The book is included in the list of honor of the International Board of Literature for Children and Youth (IBBY) (2022), the pictures are presented at the Bologna Book Fair, the finalist in the “Golden Wheel” illustrator competition ” of Children’s Book Shanghai Market, other awards in Poland.

This is not just an ordinary storybook, the text and pictures include a variety of creative activities – recipe, dance steps, crafts, music activities. The book shows that you should not be afraid to be yourself and that it is necessary to engage in creative pursuits without disturbing others too much. Maybe even hobbies can be shared?

Annotation: Balonu Street is the best street. The most creative neighbors live here in one house – you can hear the sounds of instruments and someone snoring very loudly. The stairs smell of cupcakes, there is always something rustling, knocking, ringing.

The book is for children aged 5+.

The publication of the book is co-financed by the “Creative Europe” program of the European Union. The book was published with the support of the Ministry of Culture in the Republic of Latvia.

About the authors

Mikolaj Pa (Mikołaj Pasinski) author of many children’s books and comics, graphic designer. His books have been published in more than 15 countries, included in the IBBY (Children’s and Youth Literature Council), PTWK (The Most Beautiful Books in Poland) selection, Book Museum of the Children, he received the Golden Shoe Award and the main award in Poland. “Child Friendly World” Competition.

Gosia Herba (Gosia Herba) is a Polish photographer and graphic designer, art historian. Her pictures have been included again in the Bologna International Book Fair illustrators’ exhibition and the “Golden Wheel” illustrators’ competition at the Shanghai Children’s Book Market. Gosia has received several awards, including the top prize in the BBC’s “Blue Peter” children’s book competition.

Maris Salējs a translator, poet, storyteller, literary scholar. Translated and translated mainly from Polish and Ukrainian. He studied at the Latvian Academy of Arts, as well as the University of Latvia, where he received a doctorate in sociology. He is the author of five poetry collections, nominated several times for the Latvian Literature of the Year Award, and received a special award in 2012. He received the Order of the Polish Ministry of Culture “For Services to Polish Culture” (2009).