NEW CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Three special children's books open up spaces for discovery, wonder, and empathy – ideal for reading aloud and for young readers who want to explore new horizons and embark on journeys with their imagination.

For the National Reading Day on November 21, 2025, Hatje Cantz presents three new publications that, in very different ways, open up inspiring approaches to emotional worlds, textile art, and the big questions of life. Whether reading aloud in the classroom or shared reading at home – these books invite readers to discover imagination and new worlds of experience.

Of threads, colors, and the art of creating new things

Somehow, his battered nest leads the little bird Hans to the studio of the famous Bauhaus artist Anni Albers. Between threads, colors, and the loom, he discovers a world where craftsmanship and art merge. Anni shows him how structures, patterns, and ideas emerge from simple materials – and how beautiful the process of creation can be. In Anni and Hans. Art and Life with Cords and Weaving, Emily Hall and Victoria Semykina take children aged 5 and up on a colorful journey into the world of Anni Albers, who revolutionized our thinking about art, textile, and design. A sensuously told, joyful picture book about creativity, patience, and the joy of making things yourself.

An activity book that gives voice to feelings

Based on Lidia Branković's bestseller, The Grand Hotel of Feelings Activity Book opens further doors to our emotional world. With lovingly designed drawing, writing, and coloring prompts, it helps children to recognize, express, and better understand emotions such as joy, anger, fear, or gratitude. This activity book invites creative expression of feelings. It provides space for personal thoughts and gently shows ways to express and share feelings with others. An imaginative companion that playfully conveys that all feelings have their place – and that understanding and empathy are the key to good coexistence.

A universe full of questions and wonders

The poetically illustrated non-fiction book What We Know About Life on Earth takes children on a journey through time and space: from the Big Bang to the origins of life and possible scenarios for our future. Scientific insights into evolution are interwoven with artistic expression in this book – creating not a sober depiction, but a conversation about the origin, change, and diversity of life. Author Ziggy Hanaor and illustrator Cristóbal Schmal create a connection between knowledge and fascination, showing how breathtaking and beautiful the story of our existence is. With clear language and impressive images, the book encourages young explorers aged 6 and up to ask together: Where do we come from? Where can we go? And how can we interact responsibly in the future?