My Work
When I compose and translate poetry, I feel truly alive. The challenge of working within fixed poetic forms brings me immense joy, and I feel a deep sense of fulfillment when I complete a piece. If I ever need a moment of beauty, I revisit the poems.
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Handygirl Nola Fixes DadNola, a six-year-old girl on the cusp of starting kindergarten, is a bright and curious child. She's interested in everything, especially her dad’s job as a construction worker. She accompanies him to work on various occasions, seeing firsthand how things are built and fixed.
One day, things go wrong in the family apartment when the washing machine breaks and sets off a cascade of damages. Nola witnesses flooding, electrical outages, and – as you can imagine – disgruntled neighbors. Among the chaos, she decides to come to the rescue, resolving to become a “handygirl” herself, and mending a family relationship in the process. This fun and engaging narrative by Silvija Šesto breathes new life into increasingly neglected vocations. Šesto’s unique approach is sure to intrigue parents and educators, sparking conversations and inspiring young readers to explore hands-on professions. The artwork, skillfully crafted by Mila Lončar, is not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious. All scenes are made from 100% recycled materials, a testament to the story’s themes of resourcefulness and finding value where there appears to be none left. This eco-friendly approach not only enhances the book’s visual appeal, captivating young readers, but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship from an early age. Language: English Šaljivo putovanje Hrvatskom"The ease with which Irena Stanić Rašin writes her verses is incredible but not unprecedented in her previous poetic works. This time, her lyrical virtuosity, the freshness of rhymes, and unobtrusive wit, imbued with the humor that permeates her creativity, are intended for the youngest audiences. A Whimsical Journey Through Croatia reveals places through great poetic quips and small verse stories. By skillfully weaving an element of teaching through the poetic material, Irena leads the reader to research further. Intertwining Croatia’s small and large places with verses, the author's playfulness does not stop until the end of the collection, when she gives us a bonus, a small enigmatic puzzle of place names combined into an original whole. Both the young and old will enjoy Irena’s poetic geography." - Silvija Šesto
"Nevjerojatna je lakoća kojom autorica niže stihove, no ne i neviđena u njenim dosadašnjim poetskim djelima. Ovog je puta njena poetska virtuoznost, svježina pretakanja rimovanih stihova i nenametljiva duhovitost prožeta duhovnošću kojom je natopljeno njeno stvaralaštvo, pa i način na koji se odnosi prema životu razvedena u dvije domovine, namijenjena najmlađoj publici. Šaljivo putovanje Hrvatskom otkriva mjesta kroz sjajne poetske dosjetke, male stihovane priče, navodi čitatelja na daljnje istraživanje vješto provlačeći kroz poetski materijal element poučavanja. Premrežavajući stihovima mala i velika mjesta naše domovine, autoričin ludizam ne prestaje do kraja zbirke kad nam kao dodatak pruža malu enigmatsku slagalicu poigravši se imenima i spojivši ih u novu simpatičnu cjelinu kao što je spajala duž cijele zbirke stihovanu priču, uz koju će s užitkom i mali i veliki uživati pa i naučiti autoričin poetski zemljopis." - Silvija Šesto Jezik: hrvatski Language: Croatian |
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Iza devet velova"Irena hones the links of the broken chain of the Croatian metered verse, and with her whole soul she rushes into the aesthetic transformation of reality and text. Adorned with beautiful lexicon, lavish stylistic figures, rhymes, enjambments, old refined (but also modern, 'quirky') words, and sometimes even slang (in an ironic sense), she is always, ladylike, distanced from the fashionable street speech and the inflation of empty words. Armed with talent to the teeth, the author has managed to depict almost all the metastases of the capricious civilization through brilliant humorous linguistic gymnastics and powerful sarcasm in this unusual stylistic odyssey." - Lada Žigo Španić
"Irena Stanić Rašin brusi karike prekinutog lanca hrvatskog vezanog stiha i svom dušom hrli u estetsko preobražavanje zbilje i teksta. Okićena je lijepim leksikom, raskošnim stilskim figurama, srokovima, opkoračenjima, starim udvornim (ali i modernim, “otkačenim”) riječima, katkada i žargonom (u ironičnom smislu), ali damski je uvijek udaljena od pomodnog uličnog govora i inflacije ispraznih riječi. Naoružana talentom do zuba, autorica je gotovo sve metastaze ćudljive civilizacije uspjela dočarati sjajnom humornom jezičnom gimnastikom i moćnim sarkazmom u ovoj neobičnoj stilskoj odiseji." - Lada Žigo Španić "As we reveal Irena's nine veils, woven from 99 diverse fabrics (poems), we revel in their vivid colors and textures. We uncover hidden depths and analyze the intellectual and aesthetic richness of her verbal artistry. Irena Stanic Rasin is a true maestro of poetic expression, imbuing her work with profound meaning and intrigue. Her dynamic and virtuoso lyrical variations are a significant contribution to Croatian poetry and culture as a whole." - Ivo Šoljan "Radozalo razgrćemo Ireninih devet velova satkanih od 99 raznolikih tkiva (pjesama), uživajući u njihovim osebujnim bojama i teksturama, otkrivajući što se iza njih krije i analizirajući misaono i estetsko bogatstvo brojnih verbalnih čudesa čarobnice riječi. Irena Stanić Rašin uistinu je majstor i gospodar poetske riječi, koja uvijek i nepobitno nosi ogromno bogatstvo značenja, zagonetki i tajni. Irenine uzbudljive i virtuozne pjesničke „varijacije na temu“ vrijedan su doprinos hrvatskoj poeziji i kulturi općenito." - Ivo Šoljan Jezik: hrvatski Language: Croatian Awards: "Duhovno hrašće", Pjesnički susreti Drenovci, 2024 |
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Djetinjstvene pjesme"The collection of children's poems titled Childhood Poems draws inspiration from the author's personal childhood experiences. It strikes a balance between nostalgia and modernity, making it engaging for today's youth. Infused with a delightful blend of humor and linguistic playfulness, the poems exude a unique charm.
In her poetry for children, the author finds inspiration in the styles of Grigor Vitez, the trailblazer of modern Croatian children's poetry, along with renowned American children's poets like Jack Prelutsky, Dr. Seuss, and Shel Silverstein." - Silvija Šesto "Zbirka pjesama za djecu pod naslovom Djetinjstvene pjesme inspirirana je vlastitim djetinjstvom, ali dovoljno moderna da bude zanimljiva i mladim naraštajima, začinjena dobrom dozom humora i jezičnog eksperimentiranja. U pisanju poezije za djecu autoricu nadahnjuje stil začetnika moderne hrvatske dječje poezije Grigora Viteza, kao i poezija američkog pjesnika za djecu Jacka Prelutskog, Dr. Seussa i Shela Silversteina." - Silvija Šesto Jezik: hrvatski Language: Croatian |
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AntonTonAbout the book: AntonTon is a unique guy who marches to the beat of his own drum. While his unconventional methods might raise eyebrows, he exemplifies the importance of embracing individuality. People like AntonTon contribute to the world's richness and diversity. Throughout history, advancements in science, culture, and sports often stemmed from individuals who dared to think outside the box, much like AntonTon.
Enjoy the iconic Croatian poem by Grigor Vitez, the father of modern Croatian children's literature, in this first English translation combined with award-winning illustrations by Tomislav Torjanac. Language: English Awards: First place in both the Picture Books-All Ages as well as the Book Cover Design-Childrens categories for Independent Press Award 2024 competition. From Colorado Independent Publishers Association: 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐞 in the Children’s Picture Books (Ages 0 - 5) category 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 in the Children's Illustration category 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 in the Children's Cover Design category |
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Sahranjena ljubav: Dnevnik slučajne pjesnikinje"Ova je zbirka pravi kuriozitet, a Irena Stanić Rašin ovom se zbirkom potvrdila kao nesumnjiva vrijednost naše književnosti." - Pavao Pavličić
"This collection stands as a true gem. Irena Stanić Rašin has undoubtedly affirmed herself as a valuable figure in Croatian literature." - Pavao Pavličić "Ova izvrsna knjiga izvrsna pokazuje i zavidno versifikacijsko i stilističko umijeće autorice koja umije pisati i elizabetanski i petrarkistički sonet, limerick, petrarkističku kanconu, akrostih, bećarac, kao i epsku pjesmu. U svim tim oblicima, ona nalazi svoj jedinstveni pjesnički glas." - Darija Žilić "This outstanding book superbly showcases the author's impressive skill in versification and stylistic prowess. She displays the ability to write Elizabethan and Petrarchan sonnets, limericks, Petrarchan canzone, acrostics, traditional Croatian folk songs, as well as epic poetry. Across these diverse forms, she finds her distinct poetic voice." - Darija Žilić Jezik: hrvatski Language: Croatian |
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When Hen Was on Her Way to Market: A Folktale-Inspired Story of Manners and Illustrated Nursery RhymeAbout the book: Two books in one! The folktale-inspired story of manners is an adaptation of a universal story of a self-centered, demanding autocrat used to getting her way. Hen learns that cooperation and a bit of humility are necessary to accomplish her request.
The “much ado about nothing” cumulative-repetitive nursery rhyme features the Croatian original along with the English translation. Linked in a chain of archetypal enmities are objects, people, and animals, all turning a deaf ear to Hen’s commanding attitude and a blind eye to her insignificant dirty little foot. It isn’t until the last character’s notorious loyalty triggers a domino-effect chain reaction that Hen finally gets the satisfaction she seeks. Includes an activity page, map of Croatia, and author's note. Ages 3-10. Language: English and Croatian Award: Independent Publishers of New England Finalist |
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Threshold"With this astutely presented and translated novella, Threshold, Laura E. Ruberto and Irena Stanic Rasin give readers a rare opportunity to experience Gianna Manzini’s art of storytelling, among Italy’s finest.
The first lines sweep us into a suspenseful journey on the verge of life beyond life, amidst sights, sounds, and sensations as traces of meanings for understanding the mysteries of love, disease, the power of memory and writing, and death.” - Robin Pickering-Iazzi |
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A da se to dogodi tebi: Priručnik za odrastanje"Cilj nam je bio napisati publikaciju namijenjenu prvenstveno djevojčicama i dječacima u razdoblju puberteta i adolescencije, stilom koji im je prepoznatljiv, o situacijama s kojima se mogu identificirati, te ih potaknuti na razmišljanje i preispitivanje osobnih stavova. Zamisao je da čitatelje usmjerimo na izgradnju zdravog stava o sebi i drugima, bez povođenja za trenutno nametnutim trendovima. Knjižica se sastoji od 20 kratkih priča, koje na humorističan način opisuju i ozbiljne situacije, poput poremećaja prehrane i devijantnih ponašanja mladih, ovisnosti, bullyinga itd., kao i one učestalije, s kojima se susreće gotovo svako dijete – zaljubljivanje, zavist, traženje svojeg mjesta u obiteljskoj i školskoj sredini, kroz odnose s roditeljima, nastavnicima, vršnjacima i prijateljima. Svaka priča popraćena je stručnim komentarima psihologa, koji služe kao osvrt i objašnjenje problematike same priče." - Autorice
"Our goal was to create a publication geared mainly toward girls and boys in the period of preadolescence and adolescence, written in the style that they will easily recognize, about situations that they can identify with, and conducive to thinking and reflection on personal views. The idea is to direct readers to form a healthy opinion about themselves and others, without submitting to imposed trends and fads. The book consists of 20 short stories, which, in a humorous way, describe both serious situations, such as eating disorders and deviant youth behavior, addiction, bullying and so forth, as well as those more common ones, encountered by almost every child – love, envy, search for one’s place in family and school settings, through relationships with parents, teachers, peers and friends. Each story is followed by expert commentary by a psychologist, which serves as a reflection on and explanation of the story’s theme." - The Authors Jezik: hrvatski Language: Croatian Awards: Lista dobrih knjiga Hrvatskog knjižničarskog društva za 2114. Na temelju stručnog mišljenja Agencije za odgoj i obrazovanje i Ministarstva znanosti, obrazovanja i sporta, ova se knjiga “može preporučiti učenicima, roditeljima i učiteljima/nastavnicima kao priručnik za odrastanje u obradi tema vezanim za problematiku odrastanja djece i mladih”. Croatian Library Association Good Book List for 2014 Based on the expert opinion of the Agency for Education and the Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports, this book "can be recommended to students, parents, and teachers/instructors as a guide for growing up, addressing topics related to the issues of children's and youth's development." |
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