Lake Balaton Tells a Story: The Hungarian Sea in Books
Over the decades, Lake Balaton has inspired many writers and poets and is still a frequent source of inspiration for authors. The lake, owing to its unique atmosphere, is often the principal setting for fairy tales to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Whether at lakeside or home, lying on the beach or reading in bed, we offer light summer reading of children's books for all occasions and locations, with Lake Balaton as a major component.
For the Youngest Set - Adrienn Vadadi: Kicsimackó a Balatonon ('Babybear at Lake Balaton')
Adrienn Vadadi's book Kicsimackó ('Babybear'), published last year, describes the everyday life of a bear family, from waking up in spring to the start of winter hibernation. But what happens when Babybear goes to Lake Balaton? In Adrienn Vadadi's latest storybook, Babybear, whom we have met in her earlier works, explores the Hungarian sea, gathering several friends along the way. Illustrations by Mónika Egri make the book genuinely lovable for little children. Adrienn and Mónika created this storybook based on their personal experiences, and every page of the book reflects their commitment.
For Little Ones - Erika Bartos: Brúnó a Balatonon 1. rész – Balaton-felvidék ('Bruno at Lake Balaton Part 1 - The Balaton Highlands')
Did you know that the 5-year-old hero of the six-volume Brúnó Budapesten (’Bruno in Budapest’) series grew up on the shores of Balaton and only moved with his family to Budapest later? Erika Bartos' latest series is about the lake. It is a prequel to the earlier story; we go back in time to meet 3-year-old Bruno travelling around and visiting the most beautiful sights at Balaton with his family and friends. This book is the first in the three-volume Bruno at Lake Balaton series, to be followed in the autumn by volume two, Déli part ('The South Shore'), and later the third, Nyugati karéj ('The Western Arch').
The author has often portrayed Balaton in her earlier works. This book is also the result of extensive research: she visited the lake several times to seek inspiration for the text and to sketch the book's lively illustrations.
For Teenagers - Borcsa Fiala: Balatoni nyomozás ('The Balaton Investigation')
Borcsa Fiala is a journalist and the author of several bestselling books. 'The Balaton Investigation' is written for the teenage generation but makes exciting summer reading for adults, too. The reader follows the adventures of the two heroes, Kriszti and Huba, as they search for the treasure and expose a gang of thieves. Along the way, they discover the Káli Basin, one of the most beautiful areas near Lake Balaton. Based on personal memories, the author brings the main scenes of the novel to life by visiting splendid locations, including Mindszentkálla, Révfülöp, the Csobánc Castle, the Folly Botanical Garden or Hegyestű.
For All Ages - Klára Tokody: Csodák tava (‘Lake of Wonders’)
This is not Klára Tokody's first book to be inspired by Balaton sagas. Her earlier story Mina és Vidi az óriások nyomában ('Mina and Vidi in the Footsteps of the Giants') was inspired by her children and was written primarily for four- to eight-year-olds. Nevertheless, 'Lake of Wonders' holds surprises for every generation. Klára has spent years collecting the tales and legends about Lake Balaton. At the end of each story, there is a valid and eternal moral to be learned. The author is an avid Balaton fan; she and her family spend half their life at the lake. Not surprisingly, Balaton is central to her books.
