The Adventures of Bill Madlafousek

His name is Pravdomil, but he goes by Bill. He’s nine years old, but he desperately wants to be a grown-up. He was used to the big city, but he had to move to a small town because of the bad air. He has a little sister, but he’d rather be an only child again because then everyone doted on him and he wouldn't have to look after the little, constantly crying and wet baby. The only thing he wouldn’t change are his friends: Bedna, who knows his way around everything; Bůček, who eats everything edible; and finally, the head of the gang, the brave girl Madla, who Bill has a bit of a crush on. Not a day goes by without them having some kind of adventure. But whether they're catching a thief, heading to the swimming pool, taking part in a Halloween parade, going on a school trip, trying to light up their first cigarette, helping their loved ones, or earning money for Bůček's birthday cake, they always manage to figure things out, overcome any problem with ease, and learn a lesson from every mistake. And so it happens that, under the influence of his friends, Bill realises that it doesn't matter how old he is or where he lives, that it's not a disgrace to look after his little sister, but that the most important thing of all is to have people around you that you can always rely on. And Pravdomil (where on earth did his parents come up with that name?) is unusually lucky in that regard. David Laňka's children's book is full of humour and has the ability to win over readers of all ages. The stories of the main character and his friends are written in a fresh style with often surprising, almost tall-tale-like punchlines that can surprise and teach children lessons in a clever and gentle way. And thanks in part to Markéta Vydrová's illustrations, you will certainly be reminded of the French “Nicholas” series.