Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a Generation of Children and Founded the World’s Largest Children’s Library

The inspiring true story of how one visionary woman used children’s books to help heal a generation of Germany’s children after WWII and went on to set up the International Youth Library and International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Written by Katherine Paterson, the beloved and award-winning author of Bridge to Terabithia and many other children’s favorites.

Jella Lepman was a woman who stood her ground, challenged convention, and worked fiercely to transform her biggest dreams into reality.

In 1945, when Jella was tasked with what seemed like an insurmountable challenge―to create a haven of imagination and joy for the children of a Germany scarred by war--she turned to a steadfast companion: books. As a Jewish woman who had fled from the Nazis, Jella was determined to restore a sense of childhood to the young people who had only known conflict and violence. Despite constant obstacles, Jella persevered, and with the help of publishers and children from around the world, she amassed an extraordinary collection of 4,000 children’s books in pursuit of her mission to promote peace. The roving literary collection would eventually find a home as the International Youth Library in Munich, now with over 600,000 items, the largest collection of children’s books and materials in the world.

Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams is a thrilling and heartfelt exploration of one woman’s extraordinary belief in the power of books to transform young lives. Perfect for readers who enjoy illustrated biography, true adventure nonfiction, and empowering stories of women in history, this makes an outstanding addition to classroom and home libraries.

WORLD HISTORY FOR KIDS: This book reflects on the aftermath of WWII and its effect on children in Germany. By Jella Lepman’s inspiring example, readers will learn how working together and being part of a community can help bring peace after war, displacement, and loss.

FASCINATING TRUE STORY: This picture book biography introduces a little-known historical figure who changed the world through children’s books. Anyone who loves history, biographies, or children’s literature will find themselves inspired by the life and work of Jella Lepman.

IMPORTANCE OF BOOKS & LIBRARIES: Featuring inspiring illustrations of global cooperation, crates of international books being shipped to the library, and children in the harshest of conditions finding solace in reading, this book is perfect for celebrating librarians and their positive impact on young lives. It also highlights the ongoing work of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization that represents an international network of people who are committed to bringing books and children together.

Perfect for:

• Librarians, educators, and parents seeking engaging history and nonfiction books for kids
• Fans of true stories, biographies, and fascinating facts
• Anyone interested in learning about children’s literature and children’s book libraries
• Special occasion or thank you gift for teachers and librarians
• Fans of Katherine Paterson and her award-winning books, including Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved, and The Great Gilly Hopkins

Katherine Paterson is the award-winning author of more than forty books, including eighteen novels for children and young people. She is a two-time winner of the Newbery and National Book Awards and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature emeritus. For her body of work, she was accorded the highest international honors in the world of children’s books, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial and Hans Christian Andersen Awards, and named an honorary lifetime member of the International Board of Books for Young People. In 2000, she was named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. Katherine has four grown children and seven grandchildren. She lives in Vermont.

Sally Deng creates art for magazines, newspapers, and books and is the author-illustrator of two children’s picture books. Her art has been recognized by multiple illustration annuals and exhibited in galleries across the U.S. She works from her studio in Los Angeles.