New Release
Livena
Illustrated by: Maria Baha
The Upper Town once bustled with life and the cheerful voices of children. All of nature celebrated with the scents and colours of flowers. Then the people grew dark, the trees were cut down, nature withered, and the Tree in the Middle is all that remains, its roots keeping its secrets well hidden. The charismatic Livena and her friends will set out from the darkness of the Lower City on a long and arduous journey full of dangers and unpredictable adventures, in order to revive nature and bring joy back into everyone’s lives. The new novel by the much-loved author Thodoris Papaioannou is a fantastical adventure in an incredible world, brimming with love and respect for nature.
Author:
Thodoris Papaioannou
Illustrated by:
Maria Baha
Edited by:
Manos Bonanos
Date of publication:
22/06/2026
Pages:
200
Dimensions:
14 Χ 21
ISBN:
978-960-572-853-3
Publication:
2026
Category:
Childrens' Books
Age:
From 9 years old
...this wonderful, allegorical fairy tale, which moves within the realm of magical realism, conveys an excellent message to children for the modern era. Changing and protecting the planet is not an individual task, but the result of collective effort, solidarity, and companionship.
– Eleni Betinaki, Ta paramythia tou SavvatouBehind the thrilling adventure lies a pointed allegory about humanity's relationship with the natural environment, as well as the way haste, overconsumption, and screen addiction can distance a society from what truly matters.
– Pepi Nikolopoulou, ΕλCultureIn a book brimming with symbolism, readers are invited to follow the journey of Livena and her companions in a story with an authentic sense of mystery and action, featuring scenes that occasionally evoke tales from Greek mythology. The narrative boasts an exceptional rhythm and escalates step by step, keeping the reader's interest unflagging.
– Katerina Zamaria, DiastixoThodoris Papaioannou builds a modern, dystopian, ecological fairy tale that is allegorical and suggestive. It is not just the obvious ecological and environmental character of the story; it is the profound love for nature that emerges on every page—as a space-time for humans and all beings, as a home and hearth for plants, trees, and herbs—without shouting or moralizing. This deep love for nature folds over an equally deep love for humanity.
– Apostolos Pappos, ElniplexThodoris Papaioannou
Thodoris Papaioannou was born in the city of Essen, Germany, in April 1966. From a very young age, he has been a regular visitor to schools, either as a pupil or a teacher, and writes stories and fairy tales. He loves music, the theatre and walks in the woods. He lives in Edessa, amidst rivers, bridges and waterfalls. He has written fifteen books for children and teenagers, two of which have also been published abroad. *From the Beginning* (Ikaros Publications, 2020) is his first novel for adults.
He has received the following awards:
• The ‘Penelope Maximou’ Award from the Greek Children’s Book Circle (2015) for his book *Anapoda* (Ikaros Publications)
• The 2016 Public Bookshops Special Award for his book *Apenanti* (Ikaros Publications)
• Children’s Literature Book Award from the 2018 Anagnostis Literary Awards for his book Silouani (Ikaros Publications)
• Public Bookshops Special Award 2019 for his book Antama (Ikaros Publications)
His complete works and overall activities are presented on his official website: www.thodorispapaioannou.com
