5 German Children’s Books Every Adult Should Have on Their TBR

When you think of the phrase “children’s book”, what comes to mind? Is it a fun and easy-to-understand story with a simple theme, written in uncomplicated language? Or perhaps it might also be about stories of cheerful and joyous moments, endless imaginations, and the fulfilment of dreams. Well, it is not wrong, but it is not entirely right either. In the context of German cultural literature, the trajectory of children's literature has evolved over time. During the Mittelalter, dominant themes revolved around ethics and religious values. However, a shift occurred in the 1970s, introducing themes that tackled societal problems and taboo subjects.

Now, let's explore the five German children's books that should be on every adult's To Be Read (TBR) list.

Through their simplicity, these books offer us profound messages, covering topics from the importance of time to the concept of death.

1. Momo

Momo is a fantasy novel written by Michael Ende, published in 1973, and spans a total of 304 pages. The full title of this children's book is Momo, oder die seltsame Geschichte von den Zeit-Dieben und von dem Kind, das den Menschen die gestohlene Zeit zurückbrachte (in English, translated to Momo or the Strange Story of the Time Thieves and the Child Who Brought the Stolen Time Back to the People). Momo tells the tales of time and human connections. It is the story of a mysterious and parentless little girl named Momo, who lives in the ruins of an amphitheater in an unknown city. Despite her illiteracy, Momo's ability to actively listen–not merely hear and nod her head–to people's stories is extraordinary. Her attentiveness and helpfulness have assisted people in the city in finding solutions to their problems. The conflict begins with the arrival of the Grey Men, the time thieves disguised as time savers. They cunningly persuade people that moments spent with loved ones and leisure activities are merely wasteful. Does this ring a bell? As we grow older, many of us encounter voices deeming activities like playing games, hanging out with friends, or taking afternoon naps as unproductive and time wasted. So, if you find yourself currently in this kind of state, reading Momo might help you rediscover the value of simple joys and precious connections, making you think about what truly matters as time goes by. This novel is highly popular. It has been adapted into audiobooks, films, and theatrical productions. It has also been translated into more than 30 languages, spanning European languages like English, Danish, Swedish, Spanish, and Hungarian, as well as Asian languages, including Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. A year after its publication, in 1974, the novel received the 'Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis' or German Youth Literature Award. This is a prestigious German literary award organized by the German Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth.

2. Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Written by the Swiss author Johanna Spyri, Heidi is often considered a classic of German children’s literature, given the cultural bonds between Switzerland and Germany.

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