Day 1 – International Children’s Book Festival 2026
Fri., October 9, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Margit Auer
Aim High!
Reading, Discussion & Book Signing
Welcome back to theSchool of Magical Animals! Bestselling author Margit Auer will present the latest volume in her hit series at the International Children’s Book Festival. This time, it’s all about the“Wonders of the World” competition, in which the class must give it their all to win. But it’s not just team spirit that’s needed: Eugenia, the magical bat, is doing everything she can to keep her secret—and she desperately needs the help of her friends.
Look forward to a captivating reading, exciting insights into the creation of the popular book series, and a moderated discussion with Margit Auer. Afterward, there will be time for questions, personal encounters, and a book signing. A special festival experience for all fans of*The School of Magical Animals*—and for anyone who wants to become one.
Margit Aueris one of Germany’s most successful children’s book authors. With her bestselling series*The School of Magical Animals*, which has been published in over 25 languages, she has been delighting millions of young readers worldwide for years. The series is Germany’s best-selling children’s book series, and the film adaptations have also been a huge success. Her personal favorite animal? Eugenia, the bat.
Hosts:Sarah and Annemarie from the Literaturscouts
Duration:1 hour
Location:Hall
Recommended age: 8 and up
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Isabel Abedi & Sarah Schueddekopf
The Longest Night
Literary and musical reading
A mysterious journey between memory and the present: Bestselling author Isabel Abedi presents her young adult novel*The Longest Night*together with musician Sarah Schueddekopf in an atmospheric reading where language and music blend together.
When 17-year-old Vita discovers enigmatic lines in an unpublished manuscript by her father, she follows the clues to a small Italian village. There, she uncovers a long-kept secret that changes her own story forever.
Music and literature come together to create an intense stage experience—an evening full of suspense, poetry, and emotion for teens and adults alike.
Isabel Abediis one of Germany’s best-known authors of children’s and young adult books. With bestselling series such as*Lola*and award-winning young adult novels like*Whisper*,*Isola*, and*Lucian*, she has been captivating young readers for many years. In addition, she is committed to intercultural writing projects and promoting greater diversity in children’s and young adult literature.
Sarah Schüddekopfis a saxophonist and composer. After working in theater music, rock, folk, and jazz, she now develops her own solo projects, composes music for audiobooks, and provides musical accompaniment for readings and exhibitions. Her atmospheric compositions create sonic spaces that bring stories to life in a unique way.
Moderators:Anna and Franka from Literaturscouts
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Hall
Recommended age: 14 and up
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Stories That Inspire
How children’s literature addresses complex topics with sensitivity and honesty
Panel discussion
How can topics such as democracy, social participation, identity, or environmental responsibility be presented to young readers without losing their complexity? Isabel Abedi, Isabel Pin, Andrea Wandinger, and Efua Traoré will discuss the potential of children’s and young adult literature to address social issues in a sensitive, nuanced, and accessible way.
The focus is on the power of shifting perspectives, a diversity-sensitive use of language and imagery, and the question of how stories can foster empathy and bring different life realities to life. A conversation about how books encourage young people to pay close attention to their surroundings, question them critically, and actively help shape the future.
Panelists:
Isabel Abediis one of Germany’s best-known authors of children’s and young adult books. With bestselling series such as*Lola*and award-winning young adult novels like*Whisper*,*Isola*, and*Lucian*, she has been captivating young readers for many years. In addition, she is committed to intercultural writing projects and greater diversity in children’s and young adult literature.
Efua Traoréis a German-Nigerian children’s and young adult author whose books have received international awards and been translated into numerous languages. Inspired by the myths and legends of her childhood, she tells stories that introduce young readers to Nigeria and Africa in an authentic and vivid way.
Isabel Pinis a German-French author, illustrator, and lecturer. She has published more than 60 books for children and adults, combining nature, history, and cultural diversity with striking illustrations. She writes both simple, poetic texts for the youngest readers and complex historical stories for older readers. She has received numerous awards for her work.
Andrea Wandingeris a German-British illustrator and artist. In her award-winning work, she combines illustration with social themes such as community, urban space, and the environment. Through her books, she invites children and adults to rediscover their surroundings and see everyday spaces through a different lens.
Moderator:Dr. Bettina Wodianka
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Hall