The directory «Plots»

Vandot Josip
(1884—1944)
«Kekec»

The shepherd boy Kekec created by Josip Vandot from Kranjska gora is probably one of the most popular Slovene children's characters. Being of the same age as his readers, Kekec embodies what every young boy wishes to be. He is always cheerful and has an impish wit. He is, strong, good-natured, helpful, independent, clever, and he always wins. The story is further enhanced by non-realistic elements, mysterious places and creatures. The Kekec tales initially began as a series of publications first published in the then children's newspaper «Zvonček», but later also appeared in other media. The story was immortalized by film director Jože Gale who filmed the famous Kekec series of children's films – «Kekec», «Good Luck Kekec» (Srečno, Kekec) and «Kekec's Tricks» (Kekčeve ukane). These films and the songs from them reached out to the masses and became a huge hit, thanks to which the stories were also published in book form. Josip Vandot characterized his stories as mountain tales. Set in the picturesque mountains of the Upper Sava Valley, the stories include magical creatures and things that do not always happen the way they do in real life. Kekec stories were also told in picture book form. The first edition was illustrated by Marička Koren and the story was retold by the famous Slovene writer France Bevk. The more recent edition includes three picture books – Kekec and Pehta, Kekec and Bedanec, Kekec and Prisank. The stories were retold by Andrej Rozman Roza and brilliantly illustrated by Zvonko Čoh who was awarded the Hinko Smrekar Award at the last Slovene Illustration Biennial for his outstanding illustrations.

Slovenia, 2004, Keckes

Slovenia, 2004, Pehta

Slovenia, 2004, Kosobrin

Slovenia, 2004, Keckes

Slovenia, 2004, Pehta

Slovenia, 2004, Kosobrin

Slovenia, 2004.03.24, Kranjska Gora. Kekes

Slovenia, 2004, Kekes