White Winter

Milena Lukesova was born in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia and is the author of numerous children’s books. A graduate of Charles University in Prague, she worked for many years as a children’s book editor of the Czech publishing company, Albatros. Her work earned her a place on the IBBY Honour List in 1982.
Jan Kudlacek (1928-2017) was an acclaimed Czech illustrator, painter, and graphic artist best known for his imaginative illustrations for children's books. He studied at the State School of Graphics in Prague and developed a distinctive visual style that combined lyrical storytelling, rich color, and innovative collage techniques. Kudlacek's work was published not only in Czechoslovakia but also internationally, and his illustrations received numerous awards, including honors at international book exhibitions in Leipzig and Bologna and recognition from the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Today, Jan Kudlacek is regarded as one of the artists who helped establish the global reputation of Czech children's book illustration. His work remains valued by collectors, museums, and readers for its timeless imagination, craftsmanship, and artistic originality.