For Children’s Smiles – the Order of the Smile

Recently, the sixth book in the Little Ant Wonderwhy series was released and immediately made it to the bookstore bestseller lists. We spoke with the author, Rasa Dmuchovskienė, about the book, the creative process, and the greatest recognition of this year – the international Order of the Smile award.

What is the secret behind the success of this book?

I believe the greatest success of the latest book lies in the fact that I myself traveled with Little Ant Wonderwhy to Madagascar. I wanted to feel, experience, hear, and smell what African nature is like, what its wildlife looks like. The impressions from this journey allowed me to convey the authentic atmosphere that children sense when reading the book.

How did the idea to take Little Ant Wonderwhy to Africa come about?

The little ant is very curious and eager to learn and experience everything. In the fifth book, I told the story of his winter adventures. When he learned from the birds that they migrate to warm countries, he too wanted to spend his winter in the warmth.

In addition, I wanted to tell children about exotic animals. While working in a kindergarten, I noticed that not all children have the opportunity to travel to distant lands, so I created an adventure story where they can travel together with Little Ant Wonderwhy.

You are an active author, meeting children all over Lithuania and even abroad. Could you tell us how these meetings with readers go? Is there one that you remember the most?

There have been so many memorable moments! Children give me their handmade books, drawings, and crafts. Once, during an educational session, as we were saying goodbye, all the children ran up to hug me. I couldn’t keep my balance – I fell, and all 80 children fell on top of me! We all laughed. Luckily, the illustrator Gintaras was nearby and rescued me.

Children also often stage plays based on Little Ant Wonderwhy. That shows just how much they love this character.

We know you became a recipient of the most important international award for children – the Order of the Smile. How did you manage to receive such meaningful recognition?

You always have to smile! I’m joking. The Order of the Smile is the only international award in the world given to adults solely at the written request of children. It is awarded for defending children’s rights, sincerity, friendship, kindness, and patience. I think children noticed this, because when I interact with them, I always try to be genuine and sincere. I have been working with children for more than 30 years – always striving to be their friend. The fact that students from one school wrote a letter to the Order of the Smile chapter, nominating me, was a pleasant surprise even for me.

This award has been given to world-renowned figures such as Pope John Paul II, the 14th Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Astrid Lindgren, Tove Jansson, Steven Spielberg, and even Queen Silvia of Sweden. How do you feel being among such distinguished people?

Oh, I certainly don’t compare myself to them. This recognition not only brings me joy but also gives me a great sense of responsibility. Children’s trust obliges me, so I strive to live up to their expectations, and I already have plans on how to bring even more smiles to children.

Can children meet Little Ant Wonderwhy only in books?

Children love Little Ant Wonderwhy so much that he has become a true teacher in a magazine created for kids. There he teaches drawing, stimulates thinking, teaches how to sort waste, and playfully introduces animals. We also created an exciting card game that engages not only children but also their parents.

But that’s not all! Children love mazes, so Little Ant Wonderwhy says, “It will be!” They want adventures – the ant answers: “It will be!” They want an encyclopedia – they all said “Yes!”, and Little Ant Wonderwhy again says: “It will be!”

At the moment, Little Ant Wonderwhy’s “anthill” is buzzing with work to offer children even more products and activities. Flintas Publishing has even announced a Little Ant Wonderwhy wave for creating new products.