Children in Vietnam are eagerly awaiting a series of Polish folk tales published by Vietnam’s Women Publishing House with the support of the Embassy of Poland in Hanoi.

The books were introduced at Trung Yen Primary School in Hanoi on May 17 in the presence of Prof. Aleksander Surdej, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam; translator Nguyen Chi Thuat – the author of the Vietnamese version; representatives of the publishing house; and local educators.

As part of European Literature Day in Vietnam 2024, the presentation of the Polish folklore books is organized in the support of Hanoi-based Nhau Studio, creative space with cozy vibe and green garden, inspring young people and nurturing artistic ideas.

Through the book series, Vietnamese readers are introduced to Polish adventure stories that are mysterious and colorful.

Ambassador Aleksander Surdej shared that these folk tales are well-known in Poland. “My grandparents told me these stories when I was a child, and my parents read them to my kids afterward,” he stressed.

He believes that these timeless stories will be passed down to future generations and that the books will serve as a wonderful foundation for adventures and positive things in life, enhancing the innocence of little readers.

Sharing about the series, translator Nguyen Chi Thuat, who had 26 years living and working in Poland, including 15 years teaching at a university, said the folktales provide young readers with adventurers in literature and an understanding of Polish culture. 

Do Thi Mai, Principal of Trung Yen Primary School, said the books are good for enriching children’s knowledge and stimulating their imagination. To make the books more accessible, the school has held outdoor activities for schoolchildren to practice the tales' characters while planning to add the books to its e-book library. 

On this occasion, the principal presented a book entitled “Xin chào! Wietnam dla Dociekliwych” (Xin chào! Vietnam for Explorers) written by the Vietnamese writer Ton Van Anh who lives in Poland. The book provides an overview of Vietnam, its history, culture, and daily life. It has twice been selected among the Best Book of the Year in Poland. 

A collection of six books about Polish folktales. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Children at Trung Yen Primary School in Hanoi where the books are introduced. Photos: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Cultural activities, including the launch, good for connecting Vietnam and Poland. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Aleksander Surdej reads the legends for Trung Yen Primary School's children. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

The books inspire children's imagination. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Translator Nguyen Chi Thuat, the author of the series' Vietnamese version. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Kids are eager to read the folk stories. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Outdoor activities encourage children to practice what they learn from the books. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Teachers instruct students to make cakes decorated with a Polish flag. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Happy faces with their products. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times

Do Thi Mai, Principal of Trung Yen Primary School, with a book on Vietnam written by Vietnamese-Polish writer Ton Van Anh to offer to Prof. Prof. Aleksander Surdej. Photo: Lieu Vu/Trung Yen Primary School