What do famous Slovenians read when they go on vacation? - Suzy.

Slavko Pregl, a prominent Slovenian writer, publisher, and cultural figure, has died at the age of 81. The author of more than 50 books, primarily aimed at children and youth, was known for his sharp, critical, and often humorous style. His death marks the end of an era in Slovenian literature and cultural life. Pregl passed away on August 10, 2026, according to reports from local media. Born on September 9, 1945, in Ljubljana, Pregl came from a humble background. His parents were poor, his father had been an orphan, and his mother came from a rural family. Despite these challenges, they ensured their children received access to all the literary resources available at the time, including publications such as Ciciban and book collections like Sinji galeb and Čebelica. This early exposure to literature shaped Pregl’s lifelong passion for storytelling and writing. He described his childhood as filled with friends, direct conversations, and a supportive school environment, which he regarded as a beautiful period of his life. Pregl's career spanned several decades and included roles in publishing, education, and cultural leadership. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana in 1972 but pursued writing throughout his life, producing satirical pieces, fairy tales, stories, and essays. He served as the chief editor of the magazine Mladina, later working at Mladinska knjiga, where he oversaw international cooperation from 1969 to 1991. In addition to being a prolific author, Pregl held leadership positions in numerous cultural institutions and societies. He was president of the Society of Slovenian Writers, the Reading Character Society, and the Society of Slovenian Publishers. During the tenure of ministers Rudolf Šeliga and Andreja Rihter, he chaired the National Council for Culture. Pregl was also deeply involved in political and social movements. He co-founded and served as vice-president of Forum 21, a group established in 2004 under former President Milan Kučan. According to reports, Kučan personally invited Pregl to join the organization and offered him the position of vice-president before its official founding. Pregl remained active within the group until his death, contributing to discussions among Slovenia’s left-leaning political, economic, and cultural figures. His connection to Kučan further solidified his status as a key member of the former leader’s inner circle. In addition to his work with Forum 21, Pregl played a pivotal role in shaping Slovenia’s literary landscape. He founded his own publishing house, EWO, and led the Slovenian Publishers' Association. From 2009 to 2012, he served as the first director of the Public Agency for Books of the Republic of Slovenia. His contributions to literature earned him numerous awards, including the Levstik Award, the Večernica Award, the Desetnica Award, the Župančič Award, and the Schwentner Award. In 2017, he was honored with the Order of Merit for Contributions to Slovenian Culture and Youth Literacy. Pregl’s literary legacy includes over 50 published works, many of which have been translated into approximately 15 languages. Among his most well-known titles are Odprava zelenega zmaja (The Dismissal of the Green Dragon), Geniji v kratkih hlačah (Geniuses in Short Pants), Srebro iz modre špilje (Silver from the Blue Cave), Usodni telefon (Fateful Phone Call), and Počesane muhe (Tired Flies). These works, characterized by their wit and insight into human nature, continue to resonate with readers across generations. Pregl’s influence extended beyond literature. As a publisher, he worked tirelessly to promote Slovenian culture both domestically and internationally. His efforts helped elevate the status of writers and books within Slovenian society. Even in his later years, he remained engaged in public discourse, signing petitions calling for an end to the arms supply to Ukraine. Pregl is survived by his brother Živko, who once directed the Mercator supermarket chain, and his son Arjan, an artist. His passing leaves a void in the Slovenian cultural community, where his contributions will be remembered for their depth, integrity, and enduring impact.