A presentation of the children's book titled 'Ned's Mouse Adventures in Uzbekistan' took place in Tashkent. This edition is the result of a joint effort by St. Petersburg writer Kristina Kretova and Tashkent artist Zilola Khamidova.
The book's release was initiated by the Consulate General of Uzbekistan. Previously, this fairy tale was shown to Russian audiences, and now it has returned to the country that served as the source of inspiration for the authors due to its ancient cities and rich cultural heritage.
The central character of the story is Ned, a cute and curious mouse who lives in a library, loves books, and longs to see the world. When Ned ends up in Uzbekistan, he begins an exciting journey through important sites of the Great Silk Road, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
Thanks to this book, young readers will learn about national traditions, features of local cuisine, and the magnificent architecture of the region. An important theme in the narrative is environmental: the author addresses issues of nature protection and the preservation of the Aral Sea in an accessible manner, fostering in children a careful attitude towards the environment.
The book is presented in an engaging interactive format: it includes an illustrated map, game tasks, and educational questions, allowing young readers to become active participants in this journey. Zilola Khamidova's detailed and warm illustrations bring the visual elements to life, conveying the spirit of the eastern cities, their hospitality, and light.
Kristina Kretova, the author of the work, is a decorated Russian children's writer, recognized with awards such as the 'For the Good of the World' award in 2019 and the Grand Children's Festival in 2021. The book's publication is viewed not only as a literary event but also as a demonstration of cultural exchange between the two states. Through a simple and kind fairy tale, children learn to value friendship, discover the diversity of neighboring cultures, and understand the importance of caring for the world.