Peter S. Milan

Children’s Author, Publisher, and Advocate for Young Readers

Peter S. Milan is the pen name of Petr Šulc, a Czech children’s author, educator, publisher, and the founder of Pierot Publishing House.

For more than three decades, he has devoted his professional life to creating books that help children discover the joy of reading, learning, and exploring the world through stories.

His work brings together imaginative storytelling, educational experience, and a deep understanding of young readers. Whether he is writing an adventure, a humorous story, a first-reader book, or an educational title, his goal remains the same: to create books that children genuinely enjoy—and want to return to.

A Lifelong Commitment to Children’s Books

Peter S. Milan’s journey into children’s publishing began with a simple but important observation: children learn best when educational materials are clear, engaging, thoughtfully structured, and enjoyable to use.

While helping his own children prepare for school, he began developing learning materials that combined practical educational value with a playful, child-friendly approach. This experience eventually led him to establish Pierot Publishing House in Prague in 1993.

From the beginning, Pierot was built around the belief that children’s books can do much more than teach facts. They can nurture curiosity, strengthen confidence, encourage independent thinking, and create a lifelong relationship with reading.

Over the years, the publishing house has developed a broad catalogue of children’s fiction, first-reader books, illustrated reading titles, activity books, educational workbooks, and learning resources used by children, parents, and educators.

Stories That Grow with Young Readers

As an author, Peter S. Milan writes for children at the stage when every new book can become an important discovery.

His stories are designed to be accessible and entertaining while respecting children’s intelligence, emotions, and imagination. They often combine:

• adventure and discovery,
• warmth and gentle humour,
• friendship and family relationships,
• playful learning,
• clear and engaging language,
• and themes that encourage curiosity and confidence.

He believes that a successful children’s book should invite a child into the story from the very first page. It should feel welcoming rather than intimidating, meaningful without becoming overly instructive, and enjoyable for both independent readers and families reading together.

Where Imagination Meets Education

Peter S. Milan’s work is shaped by his experience as an author, publisher, and educator.

His academic and professional background has given him a distinctive prspective on how children learn, how they develop reading skills, and how books can support their emotional and intellectual growth. He combines this knowledge with decades of practical experience in children’s publishing.

This balance between imagination and education has become a defining feature of his work. His books are created not only to entertain, but also to help children:

• develop confidence as readers,
• expand their vocabulary,
• practice logical and independent thinking,
• explore new ideas,
• and associate books with positive experiences.

At the heart of his writing is the conviction that learning and storytelling do not need to compete. The best children’s books can offer both.

From the Czech Republic to North America

Under the name Peter S. Milan, selected works by Petr Šulc are being introduced to English-speaking readers in Canada and the United States.

This international chapter builds on the long tradition and publishing experience of Pierot while bringing its stories to a new generation of families, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and young readers.

The name Peter S. Milan is used for selected international and English-language editions. Books published under this name remain rooted in the same philosophy that has guided his work throughout his career: children deserve books created with care, imagination, respect, and a genuine understanding of their world.

A Publisher Who Remains an Author at Heart

Although he is the founder and publisher behind Pierot, Peter S. Milan continues to be actively involved in the creative development of new books and educational projects.

His work includes:

• developing original story concepts,
• creating books for beginning and independent readers,
• designing educational approaches,
• supporting new children’s book projects,

• and shaping the long-term creative direction of Pierot.

After decades in publishing, he remains driven by the same essential purpose: to help children experience books as a source of joy, discovery, confidence, and connection.

Because sometimes, one story is all it takes to turn a child into a lifelong reader.

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About the Author

Peter S. Milan is the pen name of Petr Šulc, a Czech children’s author, educator, publisher, and founder of Pierot Publishing House. He writes children’s fiction, adventure stories, first-reader books, and educational titles that combine playful storytelling with meaningful opportunities for learning and discovery.

His selected works are now available to readers in Canada and the United States through Books Pierrot.