“The Little Girl from the Stamp” Book Launch - Czech Heritage Week

Join us for a Special Book Launch Event in honor of Czech Heritage Week!

Friday, September 27, 2024, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Consulate of the Czech Republic in Chicago (205 N Michigan Avenue, 16th floor, Chicago, IL 60601)

Free event, registration required as space is limited and for building security check-in!

Hosted by: Prague Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago

Light refreshments will be served!

“The Little Girl from the Stamp”

A captivating narrative that documents the turbulent history of 20th-century Czechoslovakia.

Celebrate with us the life of Eva Haňková – Neugebauerová, as told through the eyes of acclaimed author Markéta Pilátová and award-winning illustrator Renáta Fučíková, the creators of the book chronicling her remarkable journey.

What happened to the little girl in the Kyjov folk costume, whom President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk once raised and held in his arms? And how did the stamp depicting this moment become a symbol of the First Czechoslovak Republic? And what is it like to become a symbol and live life in both its light and shadow?

Eva Haňková remained steadfast to the ideals of President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk throughout her life. Having endured two dictatorships, she eventually left her homeland with a heavy heart, embarking on an uncertain journey across the ocean. Despite the challenges, she became a tireless advocate for women's rights and education for all. In America, she connected with the Czech community, raised her children bilingually in two cultures, learned to live freely, and embraced the Sokol movement’s belief in the 'divine spark' within every individual.

Eva’s story, eloquently chronicled in the book, resonates with all of us, as the iconic image of a young girl joyously looking toward the future has been imprinted in the collective Czech memory.

Markéta Pilátová is an internationally recognized writer, translator, and journalist. Her diverse body of work includes novels, short stories, poetry, and children’s literature, with her books translated into twelve languages.

Renáta Fučíková is a renowned illustrator and creator of award-winning picture books. Her distinguished portfolio includes postage stamp designs and children’s programs for Prague’s National Theatre.

For more info, please contact Nina Goad (Program Manager, World Business Chicago) at [email protected]

Host or Publisher The Prague Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International