Katrin Eftimova - Head-Over-Heels Hoopie and the World of Abundance

The main protagonist of the book Head-Over-Heels Hoopie is a domovik – in other words, a little house spirit or brownie who meticulously sees to order in the house and that every single object is in good condition. The author Tanya Petkova touches on both the topic of ecology and the maintenance of ordinary objects in every home, as well as donation as a cause. The artist Katrin Eftimova has created a charming image of the house spirit, who resembles a miraculous bird. Hoopie appears in a variety of angles among piles of boxes, stuffed toys, and household utensils, and she evokes empathy with her actions. Throughout the entire book, the illustrator maintains her unusual individual style, which is characterized by distinct outlining and shading, the role of which is the creation of form, not light. The selected points of view from the height of the tiny Hoopie create the feeling of partnership. The attention and care with which everything depicted bears the character of the subject is respectful of the curiosity of children. The variety of perspectives, from extreme close-ups to wide shots, as well as the pages with vignettes and the panoramas of the city make reading unobtrusive and interesting. With the addition of the convincing characters of the family and the children’s images, the book gains wholeness and integrity, ready to take its place among children’s favorite readings.