Kęstutis Kasparavičius Illustration Exhibition “Thumbelina” based on H. C. Andersen

The Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania invites visitors to explore the exhibition “Thumbelina” and rediscover the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875), illustrated by artist Kęstutis Kasparavičius.

“Thumbelina” is one of Andersen’s most famous fairy tales, first published in 1835. It tells the story of a tiny girl, no larger than a thumb, born from a magical flower. Her journey is full of trials – she is kidnapped by a toad, later taken in by a beetle, sheltered by a field mouse, and forced to marry a mole. It is a story about vulnerability, freedom, and the search for one’s place in the world.

The exhibition presents 15 illustrations created by Kęstutis Kasparavičius. The artist explains that he chose “Thumbelina” because he considers it one of Andersen’s most beautiful tales – short, but full of fascinating situations and imaginative episodes. In his interpretation, it resembles a story of escape, following a tiny, fragile girl who overcomes a difficult journey to finally reach freedom and her dreamland.

The exhibition is part of the National Library’s cultural programme “A Year with Denmark: Bridges of Culture and Solidarity.” It runs from May 8 to August 31, 2026, at the Children’s and Youth Literature Centre (1st floor) of the National Library.

Kęstutis Kasparavičius (b. 1954) is one of Lithuania’s most prominent children’s book illustrators. He has created illustrations for more than 60 books published in Lithuania and abroad, with his works translated into 28 languages. He has been nominated multiple times for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the most prestigious international recognitions in children’s literature.

The exhibition will be accompanied by creative workshops, with information available on the National Library website and Facebook pages.