Art Has No Borders

One of the most prominent contemporary Croatian illustrators and authors, Andrea Petrlik Huseinović, created the visual identity for the international project Reading Knows No Borders / Čitanje ne poznaje granice, in which children read translated works by authors from a neighboring country. Slovenian primary school students often reach for her picture books, which rank among the top achievements of contemporary youth literature. In these books, visual and narrative elements together shape the reading experience.

Her stories frequently explore sensitive themes such as sorrow, loss, growing up, and the search for inner strength. She portrays these themes using pastel colors and soft transitions that create an atmosphere of safety and introspection. The symbolism in her illustrations allows for multilayered interpretation. Her works are often used by educators and other professionals for therapeutic purposes, as they enable children to express emotions that are difficult to articulate.

Upon her nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018, the author wrote:

“I was created to breathe in the love I feel around me and to send that love back into the world through my images and words. I am happiest when a child or adult reads what I have written, sees what I have drawn, and feels that love — and then shares it with someone who will also share that love.”
Andrea Petrlik Huseinović

For the exhibition accompanying the professional gathering of coordinators and mentors participating in the project Reading Knows No Borders / Čitanje ne poznaje granice, Andrea Petrlik Huseinović selected twelve illustrations. The Karantanija Publishing House contributed a selection of her picture books published in Slovenian.