April, celebrated as the month of books, was marked in a special and inspiring way at Savremena Elementary School – through a literary afternoon that brought together the youngest students in the spirit of storytelling, imagination, and shared discovery. In a warm and encouraging atmosphere, students had the opportunity to step into the world of literature in a way that goes beyond everyday reading, through direct interaction with an author and his creative work.

The special guest was writer Branislav Atanackov, author of the book “Šuško,” whose visit sparked curiosity and excitement among the students. Through conversation, book presentation, and social interaction, students met the main character of the story and learned about the process of creating a book – from the initial idea to the final printed edition. This approach helps children understand that every book is the result of creativity, dedication, and passion.

The event was organized as part of the “Čitalići” project, which aims to foster a love for reading and bring literature closer to children through direct experience. Students actively participated, asked questions, and listened attentively, showing how important it is to nurture curiosity and openness to learning from an early age.

The literary afternoon was filled with interaction, smiles, and inspiring questions. Students carefully listened to the author and confidently joined the discussion, sharing their impressions and thoughts about the story “Šuško.” Through this dialogue, they learned how ideas are formed, how characters are developed, and why it is important to trust one’s imagination.

The author explained the writing process in a simple and engaging way, emphasizing the importance of observing the world and finding inspiration in everyday life. Students especially enjoyed imagining how they would create their own stories, which further encouraged their creativity.

The book “Šuško,” intended for children aged 5 to 10, introduced themes close to them – empathy, care for nature, learning about animals, and vocabulary development. Through such content, students develop not only reading habits but also emotional intelligence and awareness of the world.

Students also had the opportunity to purchase the book and take a part of the experience home, encouraging continued reading beyond the classroom.

Events like this provide a valuable opportunity to nurture a lasting love for books and learning. Direct contact with an author allows students to experience literature as a living, dynamic process. Through such experiences, reading becomes an adventure, and books become a gateway to endless possibilities.

At Savremena Elementary School, fostering reading habits is one of the foundations of holistic child development. Projects like “Čitalići” encourage students to explore, ask questions, and think critically.

Thanks to events like this, the school becomes a place of ideas, creativity, and inspiration – where every child can find their own story and develop a lifelong love for books.