Maria Terlikowska

(1920–1990) – poet, writer, author of books for children and young adults, screenwriter of animated films, radio plays and television programmes.

Maria Terlikowska studied law at the University of Warsaw. She started writing as a journalist, collaborating with various magazines including “Rzeczpospolita”, “Dziennik Bałtycki” and “Gromada” (later “Gromada – Rolnik Polski”). Her articles and interviews for adult readers were published in these magazines under the pseudonym Marcin Terebesz.

From 1950, she was a regular contributor to children’s press. Her texts were featured in “Miś”, “Świerszczyk”, “Płomyczek”, “Płomyk” and “Jutrzenka”. Her works also appeared in children’s and youth magazines for the Polish diaspora, including the London monthlies “Razem Młody Przyjaciele” and “Dziatwa”.

Terlikowska wrote numerous books for children and young adults. While her writing is entertaining, it also has educational value, spreading a knowledge of natural sciences, geography and mathematics among young readers. Some of her books, such as “Czarodziejskie trójkąty” (Magic Triangles, 1964), “Kolorowe koła” (Colourful Circles, 1964), and “W pogoni za kwadratem” (Chasing a Square, 1970), present geometry in a simple and accessible way. Meanwhile, “Kuchnia pełna cudów” (A Kitchen Full of Miracles, 1977) and “Kuchnia z niespodzianką” (A Kitchen with a Surprise, 1980) introduce young people to the world of cooking, encouraging them to improve their skills through various culinary adventures.

Terlikowska also wrote numerous songs, which were later published in two children’s songbooks: “Nasza orkiestra” (Our Orchestra, 1960) and “Moja piosenka” (My Song, 1961). She was involved in writing radio plays and preparing theatre and television performances for preschool and school children. She also authored scripts for short films and bedtime stories (“Różne przygody Gąski Balbinki”, The Adventures of Balbinka the Goose; “Dwa koty i pies trzeci”, Two Cats and a Third Dog).

In 1975, she was honoured during the 4th National Review of Films for Children and Youth as part of the 2nd Biennale of Art for Children in Poznań, for the animated film “Ameba” (as screenwriter, along with director Lechosław Marszałek).