Picture Book Tour in Dalmatian Schools

Ahead of the holidays, the Croatian Waters team visited Dalmatia to present a new educational material—a picture book about river turtles Mara and Maroje, featuring a story led by the beloved mascot Hrvoje. The book, written by Marija Vizner of Croatian Waters and illustrated by Andrijana Rico, was introduced during sessions with children from DV Smilje (P.O. Šibenski tići and P.O. Ljubica) in Šibenik, DV Trogir (P.O. Ribola) in Trogir, OŠ Strožanac in Podstrana, and OŠ Lapad in Dubrovnik. These events included educational activities on the conservation of river turtles and their habitats, inspired by the picture book "MAUREMISI: Raising Our Voice to Save Turtles!"

Šibenik, November 25
At DV Smilje in Šibenik, Hrvoje was welcomed by fifty preschoolers from the Šibenski tići and Ljubica branches. Seated on mats, the children attentively followed the story of Mara and Maroje, who saved a pond from destruction with the help of a quartz flower and supportive people. Teachers reported that the children were thrilled and maintained interest well beyond the usual duration. They were captivated by sound effects, rainbow colors illuminating the hall, and a beam of light, mirroring an illustration in the book. At the story's end, the children were delighted by an animation showing Hrvoje coming to life on mobile devices, walking through the picture book, and sharing a message about the importance of protecting turtles. The session emphasized small changes in behavior that everyone—from children to adults—can make to help protect one of Croatia's most endangered turtle species.

Trogir, November 26
At DV Trogir, P.O. Ribola, thirty children enjoyed the story, actively participated in discussions, and played with a Hrvoje puppet. The animation was so popular that they watched it several times, smiling and commenting on Hrvoje's adventures in the book. Teachers praised the presentation, noting in their feedback forms: "Everything was perfect and as it should be. Thank you!"

Podstrana, November 26
That afternoon, third-graders from OŠ Strožanac gathered in a hall prepared for a true storytelling experience. The children were engrossed for an entire class period, fascinated by the story, light effects, and animation. Many were eager to try the Hrvoje puppet and ask questions, such as why Hrvoje received a stone flower, its significance, and whether he would find love. Some answers were saved for future adventures, perhaps even a new book. A particularly exciting moment was the revelation that Mara and Maroje were actually Hrvoje's parents. The session ended with a group photo.

Dubrovnik, November 27
The tour concluded at OŠ Lapad, where over 70 fourth-graders embraced the new adventure. Already familiar with Hrvoje from previous books and Mara from a traveling exhibit presented by the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Nature Protection Public Institution earlier in November, the visit further inspired them. Teachers and students praised the book, animation, and conservation tips, expressing their desire for more stories in the future.

Every child and student received a copy of the picture book as a keepsake, while schools were given additional educational materials for broader use. We are confident the children shared their impressions with their families and explored the animations on their devices, learning how small actions can help river turtles thrive in the ponds and canals where they have always lived. We hope this knowledge spreads throughout communities, just as in the story, where Mauremisi—Niko and friends—worked together to restore a neglected pond and bring river turtles back to their natural habitat.

You can find and browse the picture book on our website under "Materials."