The children’s book “Grohut”, illustrated by British illustrator Briony May Smith, was launched at the Ion Creangă National Children’s Library just one week after its release in the UK, being synchronised internationally for children around the world, IPN reports.

The highlight of the event was a reading session held by translator Rodica Plugaru. During the discussions, she shared details about the sources of inspiration for author Briony May Smith, who included subtle references to characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales in her story “Grohut.”

Thus, the children attending the event learned that the red squirrel was inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, and the adorable bunnies were inspired by Hansel and Gretel. They also discovered the frog with a crown, inspired by “The Frog Prince,” one of the author’s favorite fairy tales.

The director of the Ion Creanga Library, Eugenia Bejan, welcomed the publication of the book in Moldova so soon after the original edition. “It is commendable that these books by distinguished authors and, especially, illustrators from abroad are translated and published by our specialists in the Republic of Moldova. Thanks to these translations, children in the Republic of Moldova can read the same books as those in the United Kingdom, France, and other countries”, said Eugenia Bejan.

RP Editor, founded by Rodica Plugaru, has already published four titles illustrated by Briony May Smith in Romanian. The next titles – “Vine toamna, Gasculita!” (Autumn is coming, Little Goose!) and “Eva Maruntica, zana poznasa” (Eva Maruntica, the mischievous fairy) – are scheduled to be released later this year and in early 2026.

Rodica Plugaru holds a PhD in political science, obtained in France, where she lives with her family. From there, she translates books, which are then published in the Republic of Moldova.