New Croatian–English picture book shows Zagreb’s charm through adventures of a local cat

by croatiaweek
December 9, 2025
in Entertainment

(Illustration: Nikolina Starčević Vorgić)

A new bilingual picture book celebrating Zagreb through the eyes of a curious city cat has just been released by publishing house Jupiii.

Devet života: Fleka i Zagreb / Nine Lives: Zagreb and Fleck blends a love for the Croatian capital with a playful approach to language learning, offering readers of all ages a charming and interactive tour of the city.

Fleck, Zagreb’s Feline Ambassador

At the heart of the story is Fleck, a lively and inquisitive cat who turns out to be the perfect guide through Zagreb’s urban maze.

Following him, readers wander through some of the city’s most recognisable locations: from Ban Jelačić Square and the colourful Britanac market, to Jarun Lake, the Botanical Garden and even the famous tiled roof of St Mark’s Church in the Upper Town.

Warm, gently humorous and full of local spirit, the story captures the essence of Zagreb while giving younger readers a simple introduction to the city’s cultural landmarks and the richness of Croatian heritage.

(Illustration: Nikolina Starčević Vorgić)

The book doubles as a lovely souvenir for visitors and a cherished keepsake for anyone with a connection to the city.

What makes this edition stand out is its fully bilingual layout. Each page presents the story in both Croatian and English, side by side, making it useful in a wide range of settings.

“We wanted to create a picture book that not only tells an engaging story about Zagreb, but also breaks language barriers,” the team at Jupiii explains.

“Nine Lives is a book for the whole world, ideal for multilingual families, for those learning Croatian or English, or for anyone who simply enjoys art and Zagreb.”

Thanks to its bilingual nature, the picture book serves as a cultural bridge. It offers children in Croatia and across the diaspora a creative and visual way to stay connected with the Croatian language and the city’s traditions.

It also makes for a valuable addition to kindergartens and schools, where it can be used as an inspiring resource for introducing Zagreb to young learners.

The book’s visual identity is every bit as striking as its narrative. Bright, lively illustrations capture Zagreb’s architecture and atmosphere with warmth, while Fleka’s playful character wins readers over instantly.

The illustrations are the work of academic painter Nikolina Starčević Vorgić, while the text and overall concept come from author Iva Babić.

This marks their third bilingual edition, following Treasure Found: Vinkovci and Volcano, which received international recognition at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, making the Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf 2023 selection.

(Illustration: Nikolina Starčević Vorgić)

Shortly after the book was published, Jupiii received an amusing message from the Ivan Meštrović Museums.

Staff there noticed an uncanny resemblance between the illustrated Fleck and their own resident feline, a friendly cat who roams freely around the museum grounds. Even more surprising, the real cat’s name is Flekica.

According to the publisher, the coincidence was as delightful for them as for the museum team. As they playfully shared on social media:

“We knew Fleck was a special cat, but the fact that he manifested himself (with a slightly changed name) in the park of the Meštrović Gallery surprised even us! But who could blame him?”

Flekica in the park at Ivan Meštrović Muesum

You can find “Nine Lives: Zagreb and Fleck” in selected libraries, at Školska knjiga points of sale throughout Croatia, the Fraktura bookstore, and in Zagreb’s Hoću knjigu stores and web shop for 14.99 euros.