Presentation of the Book The Secret of Strandzha by Stanislava Kalcheva

Stanislava Kalcheva, a teacher and archaeologist from Burgas, is the author of the newest children’s book, The Secret of Strandzha, a magical story inspired by the mystery, folklore, and rich cultural heritage of Strandzha. The meeting with readers will take place on May 25 at 11:00 AM at Regional Library Peyo Yavorov. The event is organized with the support of the Municipality of Burgas and the Peyo Yavorov Regional Library. “Strandzha carries magic within it. No matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover,” shares Stanislava Kalcheva. To create an authentic and compelling story, the author conducted extensive research into the region, drawing inspiration from both nature and local legends and mystical tales. Her love for Bulgarian history and culture is evident on every page of the book, turning it into a true adventure for both children and their parents. Stanislava’s passion for children’s literature began at an early age. Inspired by authors such as Hans Christian Andersen, Angel Karaliychev, Boris Aprilov, Charles Perrault, Brothers Grimm, and J. K. Rowling, she dreamed of one day creating her own magical world. Her work with children and motherhood ultimately motivated her to realize that dream and transform her love of children’s literature into her first book debut. Her work as a teacher plays a key role in her creative process. Daily contact with children’s imaginations has become an endless source of ideas and inspiration. Her students have shown great interest in the book, asking about the plot, the characters, and the writing process, and some have even begun writing their own stories. Stanislava Kalcheva describes writing not as difficult, but as a challenging endeavor that requires time, dedication, and discipline. According to her, the greatest challenge is balancing family life, her profession, and the creative process. The illustrations for The Secret of Strandzha were created by artist Tsveta Petrova, whom the author chose because of her interest in Bulgarian mythical creatures. The beautiful images enhance the magical atmosphere of the book and make the story even more captivating. Stanislava Kalcheva graduated from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski with a degree in Archaeology and teaching qualifications in History. She also holds master’s degrees in Museology and Primary School Pedagogy, and currently works as an after-school teacher at National School of Music and Performing Arts Prof. Pancho Vladigerov. The upcoming premiere on May 25 promises to bring together young and adult fans of children’s literature and immerse them in a magical world inspired by Bulgarian nature and folklore. The Secret of Strandzha is an invitation to adventure—to a place where reality and magic intertwine.