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The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman
Inspired by true events, a fictionalized retelling of how one woman brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.
Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books --- more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who encourages the children to read as much as they want. And she invites them to come back the next day. Eventually, she will have a greater impact on the children's lives than they could ever have imagined.
This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman's collection of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building ?bridges of understanding? between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today. It includes further information about Lepman and her work as well as historical photos. This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund.
Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books --- more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who encourages the children to read as much as they want. And she invites them to come back the next day. Eventually, she will have a greater impact on the children's lives than they could ever have imagined.
This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman's collection of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building ?bridges of understanding? between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today. It includes further information about Lepman and her work as well as historical photos. This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2020
7 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Stinson
58 books76 followersKathy Stinson, author of internationally acclaimed Canadian children's classic, Red is Best and the TD Award Winner, The Man with the Violin, also writes novels, short stories, and nonfiction for young people of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 4, 2020
“Let us set this upside-down world right again by starting with the children. They will show the grown-ups the way to go.” —Jella Lepman, 1945
The Lady with the Books is a story based on a true visionary, Jella Lepman. After World War II in Germany, Jella believed in her heart that what children needed most were books to help them relate and stay connected with one another.
In this fictionalized story we have two young children, Anneliese and her brother Peter, who have recently lost their father due to the war. Life’s difficult and there’s barely any food to eat. As they walk down the street one day in war-torn Munich, they stumble upon a large building with a long line of people going in. They’re curious, thinking there might be food involved. What they find when they enter are hundreds of children’s books. While inside they meet a woman (Jella) who inspires them to read again, which is something they’ve missed since their father isn’t here to read stories to them anymore.
I can’t believe I’d never heard of Jella Lepman before now, especially with as much as we’ve read on WWII. This turned out to be such an educational book for everyone in our home. We loved the literary references—some were even banned by Hitler. What I appreciated the most about the book is all the added information in the back for older readers like me regarding Jella and IBBY. What a remarkable woman.
This book covers a broad age group, even for younger readers who haven’t learned the details of WWII yet. The Lady with the Books is at the top of my list for children’s educational books this year. I highly recommend this for schools, libraries, and parents.
5*****
Thanks to NetGalley for sharing this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can also see this review at www.readrantrockandroll.com
The Lady with the Books is a story based on a true visionary, Jella Lepman. After World War II in Germany, Jella believed in her heart that what children needed most were books to help them relate and stay connected with one another.
In this fictionalized story we have two young children, Anneliese and her brother Peter, who have recently lost their father due to the war. Life’s difficult and there’s barely any food to eat. As they walk down the street one day in war-torn Munich, they stumble upon a large building with a long line of people going in. They’re curious, thinking there might be food involved. What they find when they enter are hundreds of children’s books. While inside they meet a woman (Jella) who inspires them to read again, which is something they’ve missed since their father isn’t here to read stories to them anymore.
I can’t believe I’d never heard of Jella Lepman before now, especially with as much as we’ve read on WWII. This turned out to be such an educational book for everyone in our home. We loved the literary references—some were even banned by Hitler. What I appreciated the most about the book is all the added information in the back for older readers like me regarding Jella and IBBY. What a remarkable woman.
This book covers a broad age group, even for younger readers who haven’t learned the details of WWII yet. The Lady with the Books is at the top of my list for children’s educational books this year. I highly recommend this for schools, libraries, and parents.
5*****
Thanks to NetGalley for sharing this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can also see this review at www.readrantrockandroll.com
May 18, 2020
Anneliese and younger brother Peter lived in Munich during the aftermath of World War II. Women with wheelbarrows were seen carting away broken pavement and chunks of demolished buildings. "Couldn't they see that the street would never be what it had been before the war?" Anneliese and Peter aimlessly wandered the streets in search of food. What they found, however, was food for the soul.
A line of people outside a building...perhaps a food line? Inside awaited a great surprise! "A great hall [of] books...Papa used to take her to the library...Now the library was gone. And Papa was gone,too!" In the great hall, children gathered around a lady who was reading an English version of "The Story of Ferdinand", translating some passages into German and encouraging the children to look for "picture clues". Peter commented, "that bull is just like me. He likes flowers, and he doesn't like to fight". The children, when asked for a favorite part, indicated that after all Ferdinand had been through, he was able to return home.
In 1945, Jella Lepman, decided that "as much as food, books were what the children needed". She started a Traveling Book Exhibit, "Believing that good children's books from around the world could create 'bridges of understanding' between people...the best hope for preventing another war". Her exhibition of books included "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne, "The Story of Babar" by Jean de Brunoff, and "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf, one of the books banned when Hitler was in power.
"The Lady With the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman" by Kathy Stinson is a beautifully written tale of hope, courage and healing that arguably will have broad appeal to readers young and old. On a muted background of whites, grays and pale blue, illustrator Marie Lafrance exquisitely "colors" the children, flowers and trees and the plethora of books contained in the great hall.
"Let us set the upside-down world right again by starting with the children. They will show the grown-ups the way to go".
-Jella Lepman, 1945
Thank you Kids Can Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Jola for bringing this book to my attention.
A line of people outside a building...perhaps a food line? Inside awaited a great surprise! "A great hall [of] books...Papa used to take her to the library...Now the library was gone. And Papa was gone,too!" In the great hall, children gathered around a lady who was reading an English version of "The Story of Ferdinand", translating some passages into German and encouraging the children to look for "picture clues". Peter commented, "that bull is just like me. He likes flowers, and he doesn't like to fight". The children, when asked for a favorite part, indicated that after all Ferdinand had been through, he was able to return home.
In 1945, Jella Lepman, decided that "as much as food, books were what the children needed". She started a Traveling Book Exhibit, "Believing that good children's books from around the world could create 'bridges of understanding' between people...the best hope for preventing another war". Her exhibition of books included "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne, "The Story of Babar" by Jean de Brunoff, and "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf, one of the books banned when Hitler was in power.
"The Lady With the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman" by Kathy Stinson is a beautifully written tale of hope, courage and healing that arguably will have broad appeal to readers young and old. On a muted background of whites, grays and pale blue, illustrator Marie Lafrance exquisitely "colors" the children, flowers and trees and the plethora of books contained in the great hall.
"Let us set the upside-down world right again by starting with the children. They will show the grown-ups the way to go".
-Jella Lepman, 1945
Thank you Kids Can Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Jola for bringing this book to my attention.
May 15, 2020
This book is a wonderful biography that is a fictionalized version of a very real story.
I love books like this - picture books with lots of tales to tell! Books like these would have made me way more interested in history as a child!
The Lady with the Books follows Jella Lepman, a woman who traveled to Germany in the 1940s and participated in an exhibit of international children's books. It's a story of hope during the war, and is a truly marvelous book to pick up.
There's also a little German-English dictionary at the front that shows you German words, their English meanings and how to pronounce them.
I didn't like the pictures as much as I liked the story. I found the pictures to be rather odd and just didn't vibe with me. They still work well and are quite colourful, but they aren't my style.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I love books like this - picture books with lots of tales to tell! Books like these would have made me way more interested in history as a child!
The Lady with the Books follows Jella Lepman, a woman who traveled to Germany in the 1940s and participated in an exhibit of international children's books. It's a story of hope during the war, and is a truly marvelous book to pick up.
There's also a little German-English dictionary at the front that shows you German words, their English meanings and how to pronounce them.
I didn't like the pictures as much as I liked the story. I found the pictures to be rather odd and just didn't vibe with me. They still work well and are quite colourful, but they aren't my style.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
October 19, 2020
Based on true life events of "The Lady with the Books", the mother of two children believed that books were needed by children as much as they needed food during those times of the Holocaust.
This short storybook portrayed vividly how people went hungry for days, tried their best to get through those days when things as basic as food and books were denied and the Jewish had to suffer during those days without anything much to look forward to. But this woman had a vision. She sent letters to 20 countries to send books of which almost all of them complied.
I love how this book feature the real photographs of the book exhibit in 1946 and that of The Book Castle towards the end.
Such books give me immense joy knowing that such rare people actually existed during such difficult times giving hope to children and readers alike. I love the artwork so much!
I love the idea of this book so much!
The things I get to learn from reading children's books... I don't think I would have ever looked up something like this in my entire lifetime if it wasn't for gems like this!
Thank you NetGalley for the copy.
This short storybook portrayed vividly how people went hungry for days, tried their best to get through those days when things as basic as food and books were denied and the Jewish had to suffer during those days without anything much to look forward to. But this woman had a vision. She sent letters to 20 countries to send books of which almost all of them complied.
I love how this book feature the real photographs of the book exhibit in 1946 and that of The Book Castle towards the end.
Such books give me immense joy knowing that such rare people actually existed during such difficult times giving hope to children and readers alike. I love the artwork so much!
I love the idea of this book so much!
The things I get to learn from reading children's books... I don't think I would have ever looked up something like this in my entire lifetime if it wasn't for gems like this!
Thank you NetGalley for the copy.
August 17, 2020
The Lady with the Books is a fictionalized account of how Jella Lepman brought books to the children of war-ravaged Germany. It follows Annaliese and Peter, two young children who are struggling after the loss of their father. One day, they stand in what they think is a line for food, only to stumble into an exhibition of children's books.
The story itself is well written and the subject matter is fascinating. Of course, books like this often have a section of notes at the back, and this one is no exception. They're just as interesting as the main narrative, and I learned some interesting facts (including that there's a "Book Castle" in Blutenburg Castle; it's also known as the International Youth Library, and has the largest collection of children's literature in the world).
I would definitely recommend this book to those who love to read. It underscores the importance of having books to read... and being able to read them freely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.
The story itself is well written and the subject matter is fascinating. Of course, books like this often have a section of notes at the back, and this one is no exception. They're just as interesting as the main narrative, and I learned some interesting facts (including that there's a "Book Castle" in Blutenburg Castle; it's also known as the International Youth Library, and has the largest collection of children's literature in the world).
I would definitely recommend this book to those who love to read. It underscores the importance of having books to read... and being able to read them freely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing a digital ARC.
July 13, 2020
This beautifully illustrated children’s book is based on the true story of Jella Lepman, a Jewish woman who returned to Munich after World War II, and organized an exhibition of 4,000 children’s books written in different languages from nineteen countries. Her goal was to create “bridges of understanding” between people starting with children.
In the story, fictional characters, Anneliese and Peter, are inspired with hope for the future as they visit the library and return many times to read. It’s a story about the love of reading and how reading can inspire healing, hope and understanding.
Information about Jella Lepman and the founding of the International Youth Library and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is an interesting section added at the end of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, and author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Marie Lafrance for giving me the opportunity to read this beautifully illustrated book.
In the story, fictional characters, Anneliese and Peter, are inspired with hope for the future as they visit the library and return many times to read. It’s a story about the love of reading and how reading can inspire healing, hope and understanding.
Information about Jella Lepman and the founding of the International Youth Library and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is an interesting section added at the end of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kids Can Press, and author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Marie Lafrance for giving me the opportunity to read this beautifully illustrated book.
January 1, 2021
A story of hope and books. Two hungry children wandering around a war-torn Munich stumble on a line, which they wish to be for food but discover a room of books. Germany is recovering from World War II, and the city is in ruins. Anneliese and her brother, Peter, become enchanted with and dream of the stories of Ferdinand, Pinocchio, Heidi, Babar, and Pippi. The illustrations are creative and imaginative.
Based on the true story of Jella Lepman, a Jewish author and journalist, who fled Germany with her two children in 1936. Ms. Lepman returned in 1945 and created a traveling exhibit of 4,000 international children’s books. Besides food, she believed that children needed books to help heal and to understand people’s differences. Nineteen countries sent her books. When she saw how the children really wanted to have a book of their own, she had translated into German 30,000 copies of The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. Former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped raised money for a more permanent home, the International Youth Library, that opened in Munich in 1949. In 1983, the lending library moved to Blutenberg Castle in Munich. Today “Book Castle” has the “largest international collection of children’s books in the world” with a lending library of over 30,000 books and a reference library of more than 650,000 titles in at least 240 languages over six centuries. What a remarkable achievement!
Based on the true story of Jella Lepman, a Jewish author and journalist, who fled Germany with her two children in 1936. Ms. Lepman returned in 1945 and created a traveling exhibit of 4,000 international children’s books. Besides food, she believed that children needed books to help heal and to understand people’s differences. Nineteen countries sent her books. When she saw how the children really wanted to have a book of their own, she had translated into German 30,000 copies of The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. Former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped raised money for a more permanent home, the International Youth Library, that opened in Munich in 1949. In 1983, the lending library moved to Blutenberg Castle in Munich. Today “Book Castle” has the “largest international collection of children’s books in the world” with a lending library of over 30,000 books and a reference library of more than 650,000 titles in at least 240 languages over six centuries. What a remarkable achievement!
May 18, 2020
A cute story book inspired by a woman I haven't heart of before, Jella Lepman, who during the world war focused on children and supplying them with books and stories to save and repair their souls. The book also includes a bio of her and all the things she accomplished for the children in that field, starting with her small library, to the "Book Castle". She was such an interesting character to learn about! The art is beautiful and the story would leave the children definitely thinking.
I thank Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the digital ARC
I thank Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the digital ARC
June 22, 2020
This rating/review is based on an advanced copy from Netgalley and Kids Can Press.
This book is ok. It tells the story of a young German girl in post-war Munich as she experiences the joy of a children's book exhibit. It's a fictionalized experience of a real traveling exhibit of children's books from around the world organized by Jella Lepman. The most interesting part is Jella Lepman, but she isn't even named in the text. The afterword is really interesting and talks about her life and life's work of bringing children and books together, and I wish more of that would have made its way into the text. The illustrations are cute, and reminiscent of Lois Lenski. I wasn't wowed by any one particular aspect, but there's nothing bad about it either. It's a solid, middle-of-the-road story.
This book is ok. It tells the story of a young German girl in post-war Munich as she experiences the joy of a children's book exhibit. It's a fictionalized experience of a real traveling exhibit of children's books from around the world organized by Jella Lepman. The most interesting part is Jella Lepman, but she isn't even named in the text. The afterword is really interesting and talks about her life and life's work of bringing children and books together, and I wish more of that would have made its way into the text. The illustrations are cute, and reminiscent of Lois Lenski. I wasn't wowed by any one particular aspect, but there's nothing bad about it either. It's a solid, middle-of-the-road story.
April 28, 2020
This book deserves all the stars in the universe!
May 18, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the digital review copy.
Note, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the International Board on Books for Young People’s Children in Crisis Fund. ❤
The Lady With the books is based on real-life book lady, Jella Lepman, who fled Nazi Germany around the time of World War II, then returned and gave the children of the worntorn country hope by exhibiting 4,000 children’s books in four cities in Germany. She even had one title, Ferdinand the Bull, who loves flowers and hates fighting, translated into German and 30,000 copies printed so the kids could take a book home with them. In the years since she started this project, the exhibit has grown into a castle, literally, the now 30,000 lendable books and 600,000 reference books are now housed in a castle in Munich.
This book tells the story of two children who have lost their father and almost everything else in the war. One day, one of the children sees a line where she thinks food might be, but when it’s her and her brother’s turn, they go into an exhibition of books where they discover the joy and hope in books. It’s a really sweet story of such a tragic time, and Lepman’s story is even more inspiring. Definitely check this one out when it releases in October, as your purchase could help Children in Crisis. If you can’t buy a copy yourself, suggesting a purchase at your local library is free and can help this fund and the publisher, too!
May 8, 2020
The Lady With The Books by Kathy Stinson.
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Description from NetGalley...
“Inspired by true events, a fictionalized retelling of how one woman brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.
Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books --- more books than Anneliese can count.
This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman's collection of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building “bridges of understanding” between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today.
This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund.”
Thank you to @NetGalley, @kidscanpress for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
My thoughts...
Don’t miss this book. I was pleasantly surprised what I read in opened these pages. Note, read the description well. The story itself is about a brother and a sister. Their story is well written with engaging illustrations. Then, the story is followed by a little bit of history lesson about Jella Lepman and the reason why she started the library after the war. This book is a more mature read. It talks about serious and challenging issues. Adults should read the book first and be prepared to expand on the theme. This book is powerful and inspirational.
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Description from NetGalley...
“Inspired by true events, a fictionalized retelling of how one woman brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.
Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books --- more books than Anneliese can count.
This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman's collection of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building “bridges of understanding” between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today.
This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund.”
Thank you to @NetGalley, @kidscanpress for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
My thoughts...
Don’t miss this book. I was pleasantly surprised what I read in opened these pages. Note, read the description well. The story itself is about a brother and a sister. Their story is well written with engaging illustrations. Then, the story is followed by a little bit of history lesson about Jella Lepman and the reason why she started the library after the war. This book is a more mature read. It talks about serious and challenging issues. Adults should read the book first and be prepared to expand on the theme. This book is powerful and inspirational.
May 17, 2020
Name: The Lady with the books
Author: Kathy Stinson, Marie Lafrance
Genre: Children Fiction
Review: Eye catching cover. It is based on the true story of Jella Lepman. This story is fictionalized retelling of how a woman who brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.
“Let us set this
upside-down
world right again
by starting with
the children.
They will show
the grown-ups
the way to go.”
— Jella Lepman, 1945
The illustrations are really good and attracts the attention of the reader's. This story tells the importance of books in one's life.
Though it is hopeful and optimistic for the reader, the books needs some editing. I felt disappointed with the ending, though it is as real and positive as it can be.
Author: Kathy Stinson, Marie Lafrance
Genre: Children Fiction
Review: Eye catching cover. It is based on the true story of Jella Lepman. This story is fictionalized retelling of how a woman who brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever.
“Let us set this
upside-down
world right again
by starting with
the children.
They will show
the grown-ups
the way to go.”
— Jella Lepman, 1945
The illustrations are really good and attracts the attention of the reader's. This story tells the importance of books in one's life.
Though it is hopeful and optimistic for the reader, the books needs some editing. I felt disappointed with the ending, though it is as real and positive as it can be.
May 22, 2020
Thank you Edelweiss and Hachette for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Such a beautiful and uplifting story about how books and reading can bring healing after a tragedy. I never knew about the work of Jella Lepman so this was a new discovery for me, but I feel it would be fascinating for younger readers to discover an untold part of WWII history, particularly a part that is in a positive light.
Such a beautiful and uplifting story about how books and reading can bring healing after a tragedy. I never knew about the work of Jella Lepman so this was a new discovery for me, but I feel it would be fascinating for younger readers to discover an untold part of WWII history, particularly a part that is in a positive light.
July 16, 2020
Books build bridges of understanding
Jella Lepman was known as the lady with the books. During WWII, she helped German children understand the world around them with classic books. It is a wonderful story for young children to grow in the love of books and others. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
Jella Lepman was known as the lady with the books. During WWII, she helped German children understand the world around them with classic books. It is a wonderful story for young children to grow in the love of books and others. Highly recommend.
A special thank you to Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
March 8, 2021
Post-War survivors siblings Peter and Anneliese discover an exhibit of Children's Books that inspires and turns around their lives. The story is based on the true story of Jella (Yell-ah) Lepman, a Jewish German war-relief worker who brought children's books around to bring happiness to children.
The writing is a bit slow but the heart of the story is truly there and Marie Lafrance's illustrations accompany the story beautifully.
The writing is a bit slow but the heart of the story is truly there and Marie Lafrance's illustrations accompany the story beautifully.
May 8, 2020
A beautiful story in which we follow Anneliese who stumbles upon an exhibition of children's books from all over the world, and finds hope in them after having lost her father in WWII. Especially Pipi, a girl who also has lost her parents but doesn't let that get her down too much, helps her. I like how there is some German included into the writing, and the hardships following the war are displayed well but still suitable for a very young audience. The illustrations aren't my favourite, but they definitely grew on me. In the back we are told the true story about the lady who set up this exhibition, Jella Lepman. She and her Jewish family returned to Germany after the war, and believing that children's books from around the world could create bridges of understanding she wrote letters to twenty different countries and eventually managed to get together 4000 books. Just all over an inspiring story.
April 28, 2020
Jella Lepman was born in Germany and fled the country in the early years of WWII. During the war, the Nazis had burned any books contrary to their ideology. After WWII, Jella felt that “good children’s books from around the world could create ‘bridges of understanding’” between people who were enemies during the war. She said, “Let us set this upside-down world right again by starting with the children. They will show the grown-ups the way to go.”
Thousands of children’s books, written in different countries, were sent to Germany where Jella set up a special library. There was Pinocchio which was written in Italy, Heidi which was written in Switzerland, Babar from France, Ferdinand from the United States of America and Pippi from Sweden.
Jella was right, the children loved the books and it was a way to build a bridge and bring some healing.
If you are purchasing this book for children, please be aware that two children in the book lose their father during the war. It mentions that he was shot. This might be a difficult and sensitive topic you may want to address beforehand. However, don’t let this be a reason not to purchase this book. It is a beautiful story of healing and rebuilding after the tragedy of war. I love the quote about the children showing the way towards healing. It’s so true.
I would definitely recommend this book be added to a school or classroom library. It’s always good to recognize that beauty can come from pain.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thousands of children’s books, written in different countries, were sent to Germany where Jella set up a special library. There was Pinocchio which was written in Italy, Heidi which was written in Switzerland, Babar from France, Ferdinand from the United States of America and Pippi from Sweden.
Jella was right, the children loved the books and it was a way to build a bridge and bring some healing.
If you are purchasing this book for children, please be aware that two children in the book lose their father during the war. It mentions that he was shot. This might be a difficult and sensitive topic you may want to address beforehand. However, don’t let this be a reason not to purchase this book. It is a beautiful story of healing and rebuilding after the tragedy of war. I love the quote about the children showing the way towards healing. It’s so true.
I would definitely recommend this book be added to a school or classroom library. It’s always good to recognize that beauty can come from pain.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 29, 2020
A big thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a children's book. Well this is a tough one! I loved the graphics and the idea so so much 5 stars!! But I was slightly disappointed that we didn't learn more about the lady with the books. Maybe it needs a different title? Th he story is cute and engaging just a little disappointing. 4 stars
December 28, 2022
Il y a de ces livres qui nous touchent profondément et celui-ci est en un. Je dirais même qu’il m’a rentrée dedans, j’ai versé une larme et ça, ça ne m’arrive pas souvent pour un livre.
Lorsque je l’ai acheté, j’ignorais pourtant le sujet du livre, je me suis seulement laissée tenter par le titre, moi qui adore les livres qui parlent de livres, tout simplement.
Ce livre relate l’histoire vraie de Jella Lepman, une femme juive qui a dû fuir l’Allemagne pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, mais qui est revenue après la guerre pour se consacrer à son amour de la littérature jeunesse et des enfants. Elle est venue en aide à de nombreux enfants allemands ayant connu la guerre. Malgré les atrocités qu’elle a vécues, elle a choisi de ne pas en vouloir aux allemands et d’éduquer les enfants, afin que cela n’arrive plus. C’est si touchant. Grâce aux livres, elle les a amenés à s’ouvrir aux autres, à retrouver espoir et à rêver.
L’histoire est si bien amenée, les illustrations sont magnifiques et l’on retrouve en plus à la fin du livre un dossier thématique avec des informations documentaires très intéressant. Je ne connaissais rien de la vie de Jella Lepman et ça m’a donne envie d’en apprendre davantage.
J’ai beaucoup aimé aussi que ce livre aborde la Seconde Guerre mondiale du point de vue des enfants allemands, ce qu’on voit rarement.
Cet album est tout simplement parfait et nécessaire, je vous le recommande chaudement.
Lorsque je l’ai acheté, j’ignorais pourtant le sujet du livre, je me suis seulement laissée tenter par le titre, moi qui adore les livres qui parlent de livres, tout simplement.
Ce livre relate l’histoire vraie de Jella Lepman, une femme juive qui a dû fuir l’Allemagne pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, mais qui est revenue après la guerre pour se consacrer à son amour de la littérature jeunesse et des enfants. Elle est venue en aide à de nombreux enfants allemands ayant connu la guerre. Malgré les atrocités qu’elle a vécues, elle a choisi de ne pas en vouloir aux allemands et d’éduquer les enfants, afin que cela n’arrive plus. C’est si touchant. Grâce aux livres, elle les a amenés à s’ouvrir aux autres, à retrouver espoir et à rêver.
L’histoire est si bien amenée, les illustrations sont magnifiques et l’on retrouve en plus à la fin du livre un dossier thématique avec des informations documentaires très intéressant. Je ne connaissais rien de la vie de Jella Lepman et ça m’a donne envie d’en apprendre davantage.
J’ai beaucoup aimé aussi que ce livre aborde la Seconde Guerre mondiale du point de vue des enfants allemands, ce qu’on voit rarement.
Cet album est tout simplement parfait et nécessaire, je vous le recommande chaudement.
April 27, 2020
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Wow, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when this book started, but I'm sure glad I gave it a chance. This book was incredible. So was the story behind the book. This story well written, the illustrations were engaging, and the end matter was truly illuminating. For anyone who loves books and believes in their power, this is a book you should definitely read. I will certainly be adding this to my library both at home and at work as soon as it comes out. What an outstanding book about an outstanding person. Extraordinary!
Wow, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when this book started, but I'm sure glad I gave it a chance. This book was incredible. So was the story behind the book. This story well written, the illustrations were engaging, and the end matter was truly illuminating. For anyone who loves books and believes in their power, this is a book you should definitely read. I will certainly be adding this to my library both at home and at work as soon as it comes out. What an outstanding book about an outstanding person. Extraordinary!
April 29, 2020
This is a beautiful fictionalization of actual events. It takes place in Germany after World War II. There is a lot of uncertainty in the community, but a woman named Jella comes to town with a traveling museum of children's books in many languages. She changes the lives of two children in particular in this story, but in real life she changed the life of millions of people. I had no idea that there was a castle full of children's books in Germany (that was all Jella), She truly believed that children need good books just as much as they need food, and her work can still be seen today.
February 6, 2021
I love books based on real people and events. I also have loved the Story of Ferdinand since I was a child. Put those things together with a wonderful children's author and I loved this book. This was an excellent picture book about life for children in Germany after WWII. It introduces two siblings, Anneliese and Peter, who stumble upon an exhibition of children's books. They wander the streets of Munich during the day while their mother tries to care for them alone after the death of their father in the war. They originally thought there might be food as so many people were lined up, but were surprised at what they found.
So many books were destroyed by the Nazis, that there were no libraries or places to get books. Jella Lepman collected of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II. The books could not be borrowed, but they could spend the day reading them and having them read to them. It made for a place to escape and dream. This is a fictionalized account of Jella, a person that I have never heard of. This is a beautiful book, illustrated by Marie Lefrance. There is material at the back of the book with more information about Jella Lepman and IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People). She also selected Ferdinand from the books she gathered up and had it published in German to give away to children so they would have a book of their own. This is another example of a picture book that is not necessarily written for children, but for all ages to read, enjoy and learn from. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
So many books were destroyed by the Nazis, that there were no libraries or places to get books. Jella Lepman collected of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II. The books could not be borrowed, but they could spend the day reading them and having them read to them. It made for a place to escape and dream. This is a fictionalized account of Jella, a person that I have never heard of. This is a beautiful book, illustrated by Marie Lefrance. There is material at the back of the book with more information about Jella Lepman and IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People). She also selected Ferdinand from the books she gathered up and had it published in German to give away to children so they would have a book of their own. This is another example of a picture book that is not necessarily written for children, but for all ages to read, enjoy and learn from. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
January 17, 2021
Everything about this book makes my heart sing. It's the story of Jella Lepman and her International Children's library. At the end of the second world war she returned to Germany and created a travelling collection of books from 20 different countries. She believed that the books would build bridges between children from different parts of the world and reduce the possibility of another war. She is the founder of the International Youth Library.
The first part of the book is a fictionalized account of two German children who find solace in the collection. The second part provides additional information about this amazing woman.
The graphite and mixed media illustrations by Marie Lafrance provide details about the time. Post war Germany is a hard place. At the same time, there are flowers growing and people are getting on with their lives. She makes it a story of hope.
The first part of the book is a fictionalized account of two German children who find solace in the collection. The second part provides additional information about this amazing woman.
The graphite and mixed media illustrations by Marie Lafrance provide details about the time. Post war Germany is a hard place. At the same time, there are flowers growing and people are getting on with their lives. She makes it a story of hope.
March 3, 2021
The Book Castle in Germany is now another must-visit place to add to my someday list. These stories of one person making a difference in the lives of many, especially children, are some of my favorites to read. When the stories involve books or libraries, or both (!), it seems almost unfair that the whole world doesn't know more about this person. They deserve to be properly celebrated (though they would probably hate that).
Jella Lepman made a difference. I could pin labels on her, "Jewish mom during WWII," "book lover," or "courageous and determined." I'm not sure these tell the whole story. The fact that she used children's books from around the world, particularly books from Germany's enemies, to build peace and understanding and teach another way to children.
Jella Lepman made a difference. I could pin labels on her, "Jewish mom during WWII," "book lover," or "courageous and determined." I'm not sure these tell the whole story. The fact that she used children's books from around the world, particularly books from Germany's enemies, to build peace and understanding and teach another way to children.
April 26, 2020
3.5 Stars for a story of hope in wartime.
Lady with the Books is actually about a girl and her brother discovering the power of books, in a time of war, or recovery from war, more than the lady who holds (and reads) the books in this story. The lady is the girl, after she is grown, but that isn't going to be clear to a young reader. It appears to be the librarian, instead of the girl.
This reading not a feel good book at first glance. What it is about is hope that rides on the coattails of books, the beauty of the gift of story when the world seems without hope, the saving power of books. And it's about a girl who (apparently, via the few clues in the story) grows up to be a savior of books. This is based on a true story. The meaning of the title seems at first glance to refer to the book reading lady, but after understanding the historical framing, it is truly about the girl, after she is grown (yet in this book, she is simply a girl in a time of war).
The art is beautiful, an old fashioned battered world conveyed quite well.
The storyline runs from walking the bombed streets to visiting a working library, and discovering the wonder of story to help heal
The end is a bit rushed The triumph of books to save mental outlook, to rescue hope, to literally save souls is glossed over in a single paragraph. This is a story of triumph through heartbreak. We feel the heartbreak page after page, and then the resolution is meted out in a single small sip. The knot in our stomach we feel at hearing of bombs and war and imagining a bleak life is not healed by such a short resolution. So I'd call the ending a fail.
Yet after the last illustrative page, there is adult-level text telling the historical story events, so it is possible an adult could read those added pages and then embellish the child's story to give it more heart, when reading to a child, especially to a sensitive child.
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I consider giving it 3 stars for failing at presentation, yet the story is important, demonstrating the power of books and story and free speech, the importance of the written word and of libraries.
I'll give it 3.5 stars. Approximately 50-60 words per page with illustration.
Recommended with reservation. Too bad this one did not receive more edit counsel, or more therapeutic counsel. It could have been grand.
Lady with the Books is actually about a girl and her brother discovering the power of books, in a time of war, or recovery from war, more than the lady who holds (and reads) the books in this story. The lady is the girl, after she is grown, but that isn't going to be clear to a young reader. It appears to be the librarian, instead of the girl.
This reading not a feel good book at first glance. What it is about is hope that rides on the coattails of books, the beauty of the gift of story when the world seems without hope, the saving power of books. And it's about a girl who (apparently, via the few clues in the story) grows up to be a savior of books. This is based on a true story. The meaning of the title seems at first glance to refer to the book reading lady, but after understanding the historical framing, it is truly about the girl, after she is grown (yet in this book, she is simply a girl in a time of war).
The art is beautiful, an old fashioned battered world conveyed quite well.
The storyline runs from walking the bombed streets to visiting a working library, and discovering the wonder of story to help heal
The end is a bit rushed The triumph of books to save mental outlook, to rescue hope, to literally save souls is glossed over in a single paragraph. This is a story of triumph through heartbreak. We feel the heartbreak page after page, and then the resolution is meted out in a single small sip. The knot in our stomach we feel at hearing of bombs and war and imagining a bleak life is not healed by such a short resolution. So I'd call the ending a fail.
Yet after the last illustrative page, there is adult-level text telling the historical story events, so it is possible an adult could read those added pages and then embellish the child's story to give it more heart, when reading to a child, especially to a sensitive child.
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I consider giving it 3 stars for failing at presentation, yet the story is important, demonstrating the power of books and story and free speech, the importance of the written word and of libraries.
I'll give it 3.5 stars. Approximately 50-60 words per page with illustration.
Recommended with reservation. Too bad this one did not receive more edit counsel, or more therapeutic counsel. It could have been grand.
July 9, 2020
Nicely told, nicely illustrated. I was relieved to find at the back of the book a nonfiction section about the woman who inspired the story, Jella Lepman. That Jewish woman fled Nazi Germany with her children and later returned and turned her efforts to creating an exhibition of children's books that toured four German cities in 1946. And after that she set up the International Youth Library, which moved into Blutenberg Castle in Munich in 1983. I hadn't heard of it, but now I'm putting that on my list of places to go if I visit Germany and will tell any book-loving friends who go there to see seek "The Book Castle," too. I wonder if they will have a copy of The Lady with the Books?
May 29, 2020
I am in love with all the Kids Can Press books so far.
I had no idea that 'The Lady With The Books' is based on a real story. It was a delight to read the story. I am always intrigued by how we can explain war to kids. How do we simplify the complexities and the atrocities and say, "here is what went wrong". But keeping hope centrestage always works.
I had no idea that 'The Lady With The Books' is based on a real story. It was a delight to read the story. I am always intrigued by how we can explain war to kids. How do we simplify the complexities and the atrocities and say, "here is what went wrong". But keeping hope centrestage always works.
July 9, 2020
This is a beautifully illustrated story that portrays a fictionalized account of children visiting one of Jella Lepman's traveling book exhibits after WWII. Kathy Stinson includes several pages of information about the real-life Lepman, which describe how she worked hard to bring international books to the children of Germany. This book would be a great addition to a WWII unit of study for upper elementary students. Without background knowledge related to life before and after the war, students may find it difficult to truly understand the text.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2020
One day, Anneliese and her little brother wander from the rubble-filled streets of postwar Germany to a magic building full of books.
I'm speechless, but let me try.
This book is based on real events I never heard about despite being German, having been educated in the German school system, and being a bookish one. A woman, nicknamed the Lady with the books, decided that German's children needed a new start and asked various countries for book donations. Despite being told they won't help the enemy, she succeeded, and built a travelling exhibition fo books and read to children.
The story in this picture book is that of two children who are both bored and frightened and hungry on tops of things, who never knew about this exhibition, either, and stumble upon it by chance.
The illustrations in this book are a wonderful mix of grey and dismal and phantastic where the stories from the books poke through to reality and help to ease things on.
After the story, there is a section with a small introduction to ibby, the international board of books for young readers, and I'm sure I will do a dive into this because I want to know more.
I feel strangely connected to this book.
It's a piece of history.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm speechless, but let me try.
This book is based on real events I never heard about despite being German, having been educated in the German school system, and being a bookish one. A woman, nicknamed the Lady with the books, decided that German's children needed a new start and asked various countries for book donations. Despite being told they won't help the enemy, she succeeded, and built a travelling exhibition fo books and read to children.
The story in this picture book is that of two children who are both bored and frightened and hungry on tops of things, who never knew about this exhibition, either, and stumble upon it by chance.
The illustrations in this book are a wonderful mix of grey and dismal and phantastic where the stories from the books poke through to reality and help to ease things on.
After the story, there is a section with a small introduction to ibby, the international board of books for young readers, and I'm sure I will do a dive into this because I want to know more.
I feel strangely connected to this book.
It's a piece of history.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews