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"This gorgeously illustrated international survey of common superstitions is sure to attract lots of attention. Brief, engaging passages explore over 25 topics—ranging from black cats to four-leaf clovers to fingernails—offering entertaining musings about where, when, and how associated superstitions got started. Some explanations are practical (spiders are known to eat harmful crop-killing bugs, so cobwebs are welcome signs of prosperity in Japan); others tend more toward whimsical (benevolent pagan spirits live in trees, so knocking on wood is a good way to get their attention). There are lists comparing how superstitions differ from region to region (in Ireland, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, hanging a horseshoe pointing up like a U will keep good luck trapped inside; in the Middle East and parts of Europe, hang it upside down so luck will flow into the household). The narrative is very entertaining and moves along briskly, but the semi-scary, woodblock-like illustrations that spill across the pages steal the show. There’s a concluding two-page “avoid the unlucky objects” maze challenge; back matter includes a short list of further reading and selected sources. Whether consulted for background information regarding well-known superstitious phenomena like Friday the Thirteenth, tossing coins into fountains, or learning about more obscure observances (never take a pig on a ship), this cross-curricular offering is sure to please." —Kathleen McBroom, Booklist "Oh man this is an interestingly superb 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"Great for a little history lesson about the weird little rituals we do!" —Oblong Books, Bookseller