The Marvellous Adventures of Hlapić the Apprentice (also known as The Brave Adventures of Hlapić the Apprentice, or The Brave Adventures of Lapitch, the title under which it was first published in English) was published in 1913 by the Croatian Teaching and Literary Union, in the Youth Booklet series, with illustrations by Nasta Šenoa-Rojc. This children's novel tells of the adventures and misadventures of the little shoemaker's apprentice Hlapić during the seven days and nights of his journey. After his cruel master Mrkonja blames him for making the wrong size boots (even though Mrkonja himself made the pattern!), Hlapić writes letters to his harsh master and kind mistress, announcing his intention to roam the world until he breaks the boots in; afterwards, he runs away in the dead of night. On his journey Hlapić is accompanied by Mrkonja's dog Bundaš and Gita the circus girl, whom he meets along the way. The novel's dramatic finale includes an encounter with Mrkonja, who, in the meantime, had been struck by misfortune and as a result mended his evil ways. Mrkonja takes Hlapić, Bundaš and Gita home, where it is revealed that the girl is really Mrkonja's long lost daughter. The epilogue tells us that Hlapić and Gita eventually get married and spend their Sundays telling their children about the marvellous adventures of Hlapić the apprentice.

The novel has become a classic of Croatian children's literature and is generally considered – mostly due to the well-shaped characters, clear narrative logic, exquisite style and interesting and child-appropriate topic – as one of the best Croatian novels for children.

Dubravka Zima, 2013