Superstitions

Stepanka Sekaninova used to work as a TV reporter and in the production of children's programs. Now she is a writer and an editor-in-chief, living in the Czech Republic.Lukas Figel, who is originally from eastern Slovakia, studied animated production at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. His master's film, selFish, won the jury prize at the PAFF festival and the distribution award at Fest Anca. He primarily focuses on commercial animation, short films, and the series Drobci, and has published comics in Pomimo and AARGH! In the evenings, he works on free illustration. He lives in Trebisov.

"Gr 4-7–Bird omens, four-leaf clovers, the 13th floor, umbrellas opened indoors. Once one begins to reflect, it’s rather surprising how many superstitions persist in the present day, their origins hazy, their meanings unclear. This guide attempts to trace some of their roots, variations, and parallel traditions around the world. Translated from Czech, it assumes a European historical default, especially when referring to “our ancestors,” but broadens its lens largely to various European and East Asian traditions. For instance, the first entry on black cats proves rather dizzying: a 13th-century ¬Catholic pope declared black cats incarnations of Satan; in ¬Germany, bad or good luck is determined by the direction from which the feline arrives; in Japan, black cats are a harbinger of good luck, while in Italy they symbolize impending death. The particulars of blessing someone when they sneeze have obvious origins in warding off illness, while traditions related to mirrors reveal much about ancient notions surrounding the soul. The text is not so much illustrated as ¬illuminated with highly stylized images. A black cat perches on the Grim Reaper’s shoulder, a Celtic man reclines happily in a field of clover, an angry Zeus hurls lightning bolts and shooting stars at a toga-clad character. The active yet antique style of the artwork suits the text perfectly. VERDICT A colorful, creative ¬addition for children’s collections on folklore and cultural traditions." —Emilia Packard, School Library Journal"Oh man this is an interestingly suoerb book collecting popular superstitions and giving it's origin. I love how the author mentions it's corresponding beliefs from other countries which goes totally in opposite direction . The artwork is good from start to finish. It does offer some interactive activities like a maze and "search and find" but I wish the author added more. This is an enjoyable read for everyone!" —Marianito Gonzales, Reviewer