thesilkroadtoday
Belgrade, Serbia – The Institute for Children’s Literature (Институт за дечју књижевност / Institut za dečju književnost – novi profil), in collaboration with the Alia Mundi Association for the Promotion of Cultural Diversity, proudly announces the publication of a new fairy tale titled “Girl with a Golden Pen”, written by Serbian author and cultural activist Dr. Ana Stjelja.
This enchanting story was inspired by the extraordinary life and legacy of Jelena J. Dimitrijević (1862–1945), a pioneering Serbian writer, traveler, and advocate for women’s voices in literature. The release of the Serbian edition coincides with a significant cultural milestone—eighty years since the passing of Dimitrijević, celebrating her indelible impact on Serbian and world literature.
A Modern Fairy Tale Rooted in History
Originally created as part of the UN Women Europe and Central Asia creative workshop “Awake Not Sleeping: Reimagining Fairy Tales for a New Generation” (2020–2021), the fairy tale quickly gained international recognition. It was first published in English by Ukiyoto Publishing as part of the collection Wide Awake (2022), followed by a digital edition by the American publisher Prodigy Published.
Now, the story returns home in a Serbian-language edition under the title “Девојчица са златним пером” / The Girl with a Golden Pen”—a tribute to the courage, intellect, and spirit of a woman who helped pave the way for future generations of female writers.
A Tale of Bravery and the Power of Words
“Girl with a Golden Pen” tells the tale of brave young Jelena, who receives a magical pen and embarks on a journey filled with trials and self-discovery. As she ventures through enchanted forests and faces mysterious challenges, she discovers the transformative power of knowledge, storytelling, and inner strength. The tale is a poetic homage to Dimitrijević’s life and mission—a testament to the resilience and vision of women writers across generations.
The story was further recognized on the international stage with the Golden Wizard Book Prize (2023) in England, awarded for excellence in children’s literature.
A Collaborative Cultural Achievement
Dr. Ana Stjelja extends her heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to this meaningful project, including Dr. Milutin Đuričković – Editor, Dr. Danica Stolić – Reviewer, Hayam Safwat – Illustrator, Nasra Sharaf – Graphic Designer
Their collective efforts have helped bring this story to life, honoring one of Serbia’s most inspiring literary figures.
