Michael Stavarič is a Czech-Austrian writer and translator, originally from Brno and living in Vienna. He holds degrees in Czech studies and journalism, and has even served as a lecturer in inline skating at the Centre for Sport Science and University Sports at the University of Vienna. He would have liked to be a marine biologist and now he writes children’s books, novels, plays and poetry. When he’s not writing books, he spends his time making nature documentaries.
Last year, his captivating book “Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World”. was translated into English and published by Pushkin Press. On November 7, 2024, readers can look forward to the release of “Amazing Jellyfish: Mysterious Dweller of the Deep” the latest addition to the “Amazing Ocean” series, which was originally published in German. Both titles feature exquisite illustrations by Michèle Ganser, a talented German artist from Aachen, whose intricate black-and-white drawings transport readers into a mesmerizing underwater realm.
The Sea Library Magazine had the opportunity to ask Michael about his journey in finding his voice as a writer for children, about jellyfish reproducing in space, books that shaped his childhood and books that he would recommend.
How did you become a writer focused on the creatures of the sea?
I was fascinated by the ocean even as a child. There are such incredible animals living there – and new creatures are constantly being discovered. Besides, many people hardly know anything about the oceans, and it is said that we humans now know more about Mars than we do about the deep sea. That’s what I wanted to write about. And at the same time try to get children and adults interested in the subject. And to get them excited about sea creatures.
Your conversational style in the book is remarkable. You seamlessly share personal experiences, intriguing facts, and educational insights about nature, all while igniting curiosity and maintaining the reader’s attention. Who do you envision as your audience when you write? And what were your favorite writers when you were a kid?
I really tried to find a very special style of communicating scientific facts to children. I imagined I was sitting on a beach somewhere with my audience, there was a fire burning, and I was telling stories about the ocean and its creatures. It’s all a great adventure. And it’s probably not surprising: as a child, I loved animal encyclopedias and adventure stories. I also read books for adults from a very early age, such as those by Jules Verne, Herman Melville and Joseph Conrad.
In the book, you share so many cool facts, but what for you is the most amazing thing about jellyfish?
I find two things in the volume “Amazing Jellyfish” particularly impressive: 1. the immortal jellyfish (isn’t it amazing that there are immortal creatures?) 2. the fact that jellyfish are the only creatures that have also reproduced in space.
Photos by Anna Iltnere / Sea Library
Currently, it’s the season when the Baltic coast is adorned with stranded Moon Jellies. It’s a sight that evokes beauty, melancholy, wonder, and a touch of fear for those who don’t know that Aurelia Aurita aren’t dangerous to us. Can you share your most memorable encounter with jellyfish?
I was once in Australia as a young man many years ago, and I saw countless Portuguese man o’ wars (Physalia Utriculus) on one of the beaches. They turned the whole sand blue. That was an incredible sight. And I remember being taught there that this type of jellyfish can sting even in death.
Your books “Amazing Octopus” and “Amazing Jellyfish” are not only insightful and engaging but also visually stunning. Could you tell us about your collaboration with Michèle Ganser?
In the meantime, I have already published the book “Faszination Haie” (“Amazing Sharks”) with Michèle – and “Faszination Wale” (“Amazing Whales”) will follow next year (2025). The books would only be half as exciting without her, because it was important to me to find someone as an illustrator who could create a special aesthetic and poetry on a visual level. I didn’t want a “childlike” design (colourful and with cute animals), but rather something that reminded me of old encyclopedias. Everything in black and with a spot colour. Fortunately, we were able to realise this with the publisher.
What’s next?
I get lots of letters from children asking for more animals to be added. Seahorses are currently the most frequently mentioned. Maybe that will be the next volume, but I’m open to suggestions.
What book would you recommend to the Sea Library?
I also work as a translator – and this year I translated a book called “Who’s afraid of the light” by Anna McGregor. The book tells the story of a deep-sea creature and glows in the dark. I definitely recommend it! I also recommend another translation work of mine: poetry book “Ocean” by Sue Goyette. However, this book is for adults only.
What does the sea mean to you?
The ocean is my elixir of life. I had to undergo a major operation in hospital a few weeks ago. Before I did, I went back to the Atlantic Ocean to see it. That’s how important the ocean is to me.
Thank you!
Stavarič, Michael. Amazing Octopus: Creature from an Unknown World. Pushkin Press, 2023
Stavarič, Michael. Amazing Jellyfish: Mysterious Dweller of the Deep. Pushkin Press, 2024
Sea Library 
Leave a comment