Mostar Spring: Baby Lasagna and the cat Stipe

Great Friendship – a picture book and workshop for children about Baby Lasagna and Stipe,

the most famous cat in Croatia

Mostar Spring has not forgotten about the youngest this year either. So on Thursday, May 29th, from 5 p.m. at
The picture book Baby Lasagna and the cat Stipe will be presented to the Croatian House of Herceg Stjepan Kosača –
A great friendship formed through the collaboration of Baby Lasagna and Yellow Yuri, and an interesting workshop was organized for
children. The author of the text and the illustration is Igor Jurilj, an illustrator and journalist who is artistically signed as
Yellow Yuri, who shaped the story of the great friendship between the cat Stipe and Baby Lasagna, with the help of
last year's Eurovision favorite and one of the protagonists – Baby Lasagna.
A picture book about Baby Lasagna, with whom the whole of Europe sang to the rhythm of Rim Tim Tagi Dim last year, on
This year's 27th Days of Matica Hrvatska Mostar will be presented by its illustrator Yellow Yuri.
(Igor Jurilj).
Baby Lasagna and the Cat Stipe - The Great Friendship is a picture book that became a hit ahead of Eurovision 2024.
It is also the best-selling children's book in Croatia, and has been translated into English and German.
At the workshop, children will learn together with Yellow Yuri how the cartoon characters Baby Lasagna and
his cat Stipe. All interested children aged five to 10, as well as those a little older, are welcome to the workshop.
You can report to mostarskoproljece@gmail.com or to the inbox of Matica's Instagram and Facebook pages.
Croatian Mostar – Mostar Spring.
ABOUT THE PICTURE BOOK…
Baby Lasagna and his cat Stipe got their own illustrated story! Picture book Big Friendship
tells the story of how the cat Stipe and Baby Lasagna created the hit "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" which won
Dora, and then took them to the Eurovision Song Contest. Stipe has been a one-eyed cat since birth and found a happier life at home
where cats eat lasagna. He renamed his best human friend Baby Lasagna because his
portions smaller than usual. One day Stipe's fight with Lace on the couch produces sounds that will
become a hit song by Rim Tim Tagi Dim. After Lasagna shares a new song and dance of her cats,
becomes a sensation: he wins at Dora, and then the biggest stage so far follows – the Eurosong. He climbs on it
with his cats: Branko, Gertruda and Stipe. This is a fable based on true stories, and
talks about support, love and the importance of togetherness. Since her first appearance on Dora, Baby Lasagna has been a stage lover
and protector of cats. The proud cat-dad captivated the nation with the song Rim Tim Tagi Dim, whose lyrics included
His cat Stipe, a one-eyed pet from birth who became the hero of the picture book Baby Lasagne...
FROM THE BIOGRAPHY OF YELLOW YURI...
Drawing is a pastime for some, and a meaning of life for others. Igor Jurilj has always drawn, but only in recent years
For several years, he replaced his teaching profession with a love of drawing. Illustration found him a lot
later after the creation of Yellow Yuri, a cartoon alter-ego created first on social networks. Passion
His passion for drawing and art shaped him into a recognizable name on the Croatian and international scene.
Yuri's work encompasses a wide range of projects, from commissioned illustrations, music album covers,
illustrated city guides to gentle picture books. The illustrations for the #FreeBritney movement have become a symbol
freedom struggle, decorating protests in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, while one work ended
and on the pages of Rolling Stone. His style was also recognized by world musicians – Elton John was
thrilled with the illustration inspired by the collaboration with Britney Spears, for which Yellow included Yuri in
competition for the cover of the song "Hold Me Closer".
In addition to his work, Yuri is the author of the picture book "Baby Lasagna and the Cat Stipe - The Great Friendship",
warm stories about the one-eyed cat Stipe and his friend Baby Lasagna, who became a hit on the eve of the Eurovision Song Contest
It was also the best-selling children's book in the country in 2024, and has been translated into English and German.
He also illustrated a picture book about the Dubrovnik composer Luka Sorkočević, bringing life and color to historical
stories. This was followed by the picture book “Luka Sorkočević” in collaboration with the Croatian Dubrovnik Branch.
based on the text of Luka Paljetko. In June 2025, he published his new picture book “James Joyce and the Secret of Pula”
Arena", in three languages: Croatian, Italian and English.
His touch has also been recognized in the music industry, where he has worked on visual identities and album covers.
Detour, One Possible Option, a calendar featuring Josipa Lisac, as well as illustrated posters for musicians such as
Steam roller and the current '50' tour.

His work combines pop culture, millennial references, art and emotions. Regardless of whether it is about
picture book, music project or engaged art, he brings a piece of himself into each drawing – sincerity, passion
and a bit of provocation...