Petra Štarková – Foreign Rights and International Book Licensing
Petra Štarková is a Czech psychologist and award-winning author whose children’s books are both imaginative and educational. Her stories focus on inclusion, emotional development, and neurodiversity—and have gained recognition among educators, parents, and young readers alike.
About the author
Petra Štarková is a Czech psychologist and award-winning author of over fifteen books for children and adults. Her writing focuses on topics such as inclusion, neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, dyspraxia), emotional development, and social learning, blending storytelling with psychological insight.
Thanks to her professional background, Petra brings authenticity and empathy into her books, making them valuable tools not only for young readers, but also for parents, teachers, and professionals. Her titles are widely used in Czech schools and therapeutic contexts, and several are recommended by the Ministry of Education and included in the national catalogue Best Books for Children.
She is the co-author of the successful series “It Has a Hook” (Má to háček) alongside Ivona Březinová, which includes titles such as Lukáš and Professor Neptun (autism), My Brother Tornado (ADHD), The Biggest Klutz Under the Sun(dyspraxia), and Rules of Real Ninjas (behavioral difficulties). These books have been awarded the Golden Ribbon, the SUK Award, and are regularly featured in reading recommendations and libraries.
In 2024, Petra published her first novel for adult readers, “Leave Me Alone” (Dej mi pokoj), a multi-voice story exploring emotional boundaries, relationships, and the quiet crises of adult life.
In addition to writing, Petra works as a practicing psychologist and court expert, focusing on child and adolescent mental health. She lives in Brno, Czech Republic.
Selected titles
How the Mind Works (Original title: Jak to chodí v lidské hlavě)
Year: 2016
Age group: 7–12
Genre: Educational fiction / Popular psychology for children
Awards: Included in Best Books for Children catalogue
An accessible and playful guide to the human mind for young readers. With the help of curious characters and creative metaphors, children learn how emotions work, why people react differently, and how to understand themselves and others. A beloved book among parents and teachers alike.
Rules of Real Ninjas (Original title: Pravidla skutečných ninjů)
Year: 2020
Age group: 8–12
Genre: Fiction / Understanding behavior
Awards: Golden Ribbon Award, SUK Award
A powerful story about a boy who struggles with behavioral issues and discovers his inner strength through discipline and imagination. With humor and depth, the book helps children reflect on rules, self-regulation, and social behavior in a relatable way.
Lukáš and Professor Neptun (Original title: Lukáš a profesor Neptun)
Year: 2017
Age group: 8–12
Genre: Fiction/ Comics / Autism awareness
Awards: Golden Ribbon, SUK Award, featured in educational programs
An empathetic and humorous story of a boy on the autism spectrum and his eccentric teacher. The book offers a unique window into the experience of neurodiverse children, fostering understanding and inclusion in classrooms and families.
My Brother Tornado (Original title: Můj brácha Tornádo)
Year: 2018
Age group: 8–12
Genre: Fiction / ADHD and family relationships
Awards: Included in Best Books for Children catalogue
A heartwarming and funny tale of a boy whose younger brother has ADHD—and never stops moving, talking, or surprising everyone. This story sensitively explores sibling dynamics, patience, and the challenges and joys of living with a neurodiverse family member.
The Biggest Klutz Under the Sun (Original title: Největší nemehlo pod sluncem)
Year: 2022
Age group: 8–12
Genre: Children’s fiction / Motivation & neurodiversity
Awards: Included in Best Books for Children catalogue
A sensitive and inspiring story of a girl with developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia), who struggles to fit in – at school, in gym class, and even in daily life. Through self-discovery, creativity and humor, she begins to see that being different doesn’t mean being less. A book about resilience, hidden talents, and learning to accept yourself.
Leave Me Alone (Original title: Dej mi pokoj)
Year: 2024
Audience: Adults
Genre: Literary fiction / Relationships & emotional boundaries
A multi-voice novel following six characters who are all trying to escape dependency, find peace, and redefine their lives. Emotionally complex, yet tender and relatable, this debut adult novel examines the human longing for recognition, love, and personal space.
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If you are a literary agent or publisher interested in international rights to any of my titles, I would be happy to hear from you.
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or inquiries.
Petra Štarková