A CZECH author and illustrator who made Worcester his home is releasing his latest children’s picture book this week.

Award-winning Prague-born Petr Horáček, 57, has written Blue Monster which he will be launching at Malvern’s Rossiter Books on Thursday evening.

Petr put together Blue Monster, which is published by Otter-Barry Books, because he wanted to create a character who was warm-hearted and naughty but lovable.

He said: “Blue Monster is a book about friendship and forgiveness.

“It is perfect to read aloud with plenty of suspense, surprises and humour.

“We all have a little Blue Monster in us I think.”

Petr studied at the Academy of Fine Art and moved to England after graduating in 1994.

His first two picture books were published in 2001, winning the Books for Children Newcomer award.

Since then Petr has gained a string of international distinctions.

His books for Otter-Barry include The Last Tiger,The Perfect Present, shortlisted for the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2024, and The Star Whale with Nicola Davies.

Petr met his wife Claire in Prague, where she studied as a postgraduate from Oxford, and completed his master of fine arts degree.

They moved to Worcester, where Claire went on to teach at King’s School, and have two daughters Tereza and Cecilia.

Petr added: “Having lived in Prague for most of my life I really didn’t mind moving to another historic city, full of interesting architecture with an impressive cathedral.

“Worcester does not disappoint and I have enjoyed spending years exploring this cultural place.”

After studying at the High School of Art in Prague, Petr worked in a state advertising and design agency.

In communist Czechoslovakia there was nothing much to advertise or design so Petr had time to paint and attend life drawing classes where he prepared himself for further studies.

He then went to the Academy of Fine Art and in November 1989 the Velvet Revolution began.

It started with a student strike as they occupied their universities and schools around the country in central Europe.

This resulted in new art departments at the academy, new professors, inspirations and the end of communism in the country.