Books
Kristina Baluchova has written 15 books so far - poetry collections, novels and children stories. All books are available in Slovak or Czech language.
Lost and Found in Dubai (2020)
Lost and Found in Dubai is a genuinely moving story blending mystery, crime, and love. Psychiatrist Eva Verdenic moves to the United Arab Emirates for work, where, as she continues to come to terms with a traumatic childhood, she finds the love of her life. But the sudden death of her lover reveals hidden sides to his personality. The police investigation points to several suspects, and for Eva the sun-filled days end with nightmares. How much do we know about the people we love? Is true love only an illusion or can it heal all scars? Set in Dubai, the novel shows an unknown, dark side to the city of gold and the thin line between love and hate.
Let 365 (2013)
The second book brings the story from the aviation environment again. It covers the thoughts and feelings of experienced pilot Pavol from a perspective of a passenger. During the flight from Dubai to Lagos he observes the passengers' details that he has not so intensively seen before. It's a sensual drama full of melancholy and memories on childhood, youth times and first love experience under the High Tatras.
Buddies from a ripped cardigan (2015)
This book covers the stories of buddies made from the ripped cardigan strings in educational way. The poems in the book are illustrated by pictures of Ondrej Sova, who turned the garbage into an exhibition area. The book offers an interesting food for thought – why toys, clothes, pets or even people have to end up at the edge of society's interest too soon. By purchasing this book people directly support the activities of Pluto NGO.
Capybara book (2022)
Did you know that capybaras’ teeth grow continuously, that some fish can fly, and that there are 2-meter-tall flowers or even plants that eat flies? Meet the wombat, the agama, and the baobab in a book you can even read upside down! This “double book” of poems about lesser-known creatures from our beautiful planet will entertain children, expand their vocabulary, and playfully replace a journey to Africa, Asia, or faraway Australia.
Little mouse and her house (2024)
A little curious mouse longed to explore the world. What if other lands and other homes are more beautiful? So she sets off on an adventure. She travels the world for a whole year, discovering its wonders, yet she still feels that something — or someone — is missing. What truly makes a place home? How important are our family and friends? Maybe the saying is true: there's no place like home...
Read this rhymed story about a little mouse and her cozy home — a tale that helps children learn about the seasons, different modes of transport, and most importantly, the warmth of home. The book also includes creative thinking prompts and questions to support reading comprehension.
Illustrations by Kristína Kemeníková.
Captain Parachute pt. 1 – Kapitán Padák & Straty a nálezy (2016)
In the first volume of the Kapitan Padak (Captain Parachute) series, Cpt Daniel Padak will show you the secrets of Boeing 737 and he will also bring you into the waters of the Pacific ocean. Daniel Padak, his sister Eva with a funny nickname, his old friend and traveller Peter Kufor, as well as a curious niece Ivanka – these are the heroes of the story that allows readers to move across different latitudes, widths and flight levels, while recognizing new habits and other cultures at the other side of the world. In this story you can acknowledge the power of friendship, but you will also have to solve the mystery of an international date line.
Captain Parachute pt. 3 – Kapitán Padák & Lietajúce auto (2018)
This time the main character (Captain Parachute – Daniel Padak) will visit Slovak city: Košice and also African country: Kenya with his Boeing 737. A flying car, called "aeroaute" (made in Slovakia) will grab the attention of two flight attendants – twins: Amelia and Emilia. The first one can remind us the well-known pilot: Amelia Earhart, who flew across the Atlantic as the first woman. Emilia is studying medicine and wants to travel to East Africa to treat sick people in need there. A flying car is also heading to Kenya to help with the delivery of medicines across the country. However, the situation will become a bit complicated when Cpt Parachute is contacted by a former friend with a secret information: a cunning group of thieves wants to steal medical drugs!
Captain Parachute pt. 4 – Kapitán Padák & Záchrana lesov (2019)
In the fourth sequel to Captain Parachute's well-known adventure series, the clever niece of Cpt Parachute – Ivanka tries to follow her uncle's destiny. She is so eager to become a pilot that at the age of thirteen she will enroll in a course of flying on the glider. Once again, the main characters of the story will show a sense of justice, activism and nature protection. Their journey will be complicated by the news of the illegal cutting of rare trees in the Tatra National Park. To catch the thieves is not easy, but drones and new book characters will help Mr Daniel Padák and his family members to disclose illegal wood trade. The Cpt Parachute's story about saving Slovak forests is complemented by an aviator dictionary and an aviation alphabet.
Captain Parachute pt. 2 – Kapitán Padák & Pašerácka spojka (2017)
During the autumn holidays, the main hero, a sympathetic pilot of Boeing 737: Cpt Daniel Padak meets with young Slovak-Australian pilot Milan and his mother – veterinarian Matilda. One day, however, the book hero becomes involuntarily part of a smug link! In the cargo of his aircraft rare falcons appear to be transported illegally from Europe to the United Arab Emirates... Is it possible that Captain Padak and his old friend Peter Kufor have something to do with this illegal activity? Young readers will become witnesses to the courageous underworld plan of Daniel's brave niece Ivanka who is ready to clear up uncle's story and at the same time to bring down the criminals (rare birds' smugglers).
About the Author
Kristína Baluchová was born on April 5, 1983, in Kežmarok, Slovakia. She spent her childhood in this town nestled below the High Tatras and attended an eight-year grammar school (P. O. Hviezdoslav Grammar School) with a focus on modern languages. She went on to study single-subject Psychology at the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava.
During her studies, she worked for five years as a flight attendant for an airline that no longer operates. After graduation, she worked in human resources and gained experience in psychology, but eventually focused on the non-profit sector and social inclusion. She completed a psychotherapy training in the cognitive-behavioral approach and participated in charitable projects in Kenya and Bangladesh. She also spent a short time in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. In 2025, she completed her studies in public health management.
In 2011, she founded the civic association P(l)uto, aimed at reintegrating people with special needs into society and promoting social inclusion. She spent several years living in the United Arab Emirates, where she continued to work in the non-profit sector. She currently lives with her family in Bratislava, works in healthcare and prevention, and continues to write. In addition to her passion for writing and reading—and inspiring others to read—she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and organizing reading sessions for young children across Slovakia.
Kristína Baluchová is the author of 15 books, including novels for adults, two collections of poetry, and a popular children's series set in the aviation world, Captain Parachute, which offers fun and adventurous stories for young readers. Her portfolio also includes titles such as The Mysteries of the Library at the End of the Street (for children aged 6+), Hotdog and the Magical Christmas (illustrated by renowned artist Hedviga M. Gutierrez), and the rhymed board book for toddlers The Brave Little Hedgehog (illustrated by Ž. Aradská).
In 2023, she published a poetry collection titled What’s the Capybara Up To? / What Will the Venus Flytrap Eat Today?. Her latest children’s book is a rhymed story called Little Mouse and Her House, illustrated by Kristína Kemeníková.
Two of Kristína Baluchová’s books have been translated into Czech. She has contributed to children's magazines and reading materials for second and third graders. In 2025, she returned to adult writing with a book of interviews with breast cancer patients, titled "Grateful that I can" (published in cooperation with the non-profit organization Amazonky).