The Mednight initiative is thrilled to announce the release of Tales from Mednight – Junior Edition, a captivating new book that introduces children under 12 to the wonders of Mediterranean science. This collection features the stories of the winners of the IV Literary Contest “Tales from Mednight”, a transnational competition celebrating the intersection of creativity and science.

This year’s contest attracted 99 entries from across the Mediterranean, with 85 stories meeting the eligibility criteria. From this impressive pool, 11 tales for children and 14 tales for the general public were selected as winners by a panel of expert judges.

The winning entries, written in seven languages (Arabic, English, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Turkish), showcase Mediterranean cultures’ vibrant diversity and shared connection to science. These stories explore themes ranging from biodiversity and clean energy to Mediterranean history and environmental stewardship, inspiring readers of all ages to discover the wonders of science.

To celebrate the release of the Junior Edition and promote Mediterranean science, the Mednight initiative is distributing printed copies of the book as gifts to children in hospitals, primary schools, and refugee camps. Additionally, digital copies are available for free download, ensuring young readers in diverse settings can enjoy these inspiring stories.

The “Tales from MEDNIGHT – Junior Edition” are available in seven languages, making these tales accessible to families worldwide. For more information, to view the winning stories, or to download your free copy of the Junior Edition, visit the Mednight website:

Click here for your free download

Looking Ahead to 2025

While the Junior Edition is tailored for children under 12, the General Public Edition, featuring 14 winning tales for teens and adults, will be released in 2025. This second collection will continue the celebration of Mediterranean science through storytelling, appealing to a broader audience and expanding the impact of the Tales from Mednight initiative.

Winners of the IV Literary Contest

MEDNIGHT has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 101162227.