Leipzig Book Fair - Where stories come alive
- Written by Portal Editor
Leipzig Book Fair - Learning is best when it's fun, and those who get lost in exciting books hardly notice how their knowledge grows along the way.
Reading not only opens up wonderful new worlds for children and young people, it also fosters reading skills, concentration, critical thinking, and empathy – abilities that young people need today more than ever. This is precisely where the Children's and Young Adult Book World at the Leipzig Book Fair comes in, offering pages upon pages of inspiration and new reading material for every taste.
Leipzig Book Fair - Where stories come alive: The Children's and Young Adult Book World
From March 19 to 22, Hall 3 will be teeming with cheeky dragons, courageous children, talking animals, and inquisitive heroines. Kindergarten and school children, teenagers, and young adults with a thirst for discovery can once again be captivated by all sorts of exciting stories and get up close to the creators of their favorite books. Whether readings, interactive activities, book signings, games, coloring and crafting fun, or workshops – the joy of reading awaits at every turn. Furthermore, the Fantasy and Manga Comic Con, also located in Hall 3, open up even more reading horizons and ignite the imagination.
For listening, dreaming, and participating: The highlights of the children's and youth program
Books not only transport you to faraway worlds, they can also wonderfully explain everyday life. This is demonstrated by pediatrician and influencer Vitor Gatinho, also known to many as kids.doc: He presents his first picture book, "Welcome to the Pediatrician" (Ravensburger), which sensitively explains to young children what happens at the pediatrician's office. The bestselling duo Rachel Bright and Jim Field present their enchanting picture book "The Lion Inside" (Magellan), which launched the authors' successful series on themes such as courage and self-confidence. At the fair and throughout the city, they will be accompanied musically by children's book rapper Big Moe. Fans of the animal picture book adventures of "The Cat Chicken" (Esslinger) will have the opportunity to have their favorite books personally signed by the authors Eva von Mühlenfels and Bernhard Hoëcker.
Giggles and chuckles are guaranteed when Kai Lüftner, as part of the "Leipzig Reads in the City" series, presents his rhyming stories about the farting dragon "Furzipups" and his friends (Coppenrath). Composer and author Dr. Vincent Strehlow will take his young readers on a musical journey into the world of the Krabat legend: He will present his new work, "The Abrafaxe and the Black Mill" (MOSAIK Steinchen für Steinchen Verlag). Things will take a more serious turn with Paul Maar, one of Germany's most popular and successful children's and young adult authors. With his new book, "Grandpa Bear and the Shoes in the Refrigerator" (Oetinger), he sensitively introduces children to the complex topic of dementia within the family.
Leipzig Reads in the City Older children will be in for a treat when Katja Brandis, author of the popular and filmed "Woodwalkers" series, presents her latest dragon adventure, "Nico & Daimon – Flamed Up Good Friends" (Fischer Sauerländer), together with illustrator Falk "Zapf" Holzapfel. Anna Ruhe, award-winning bestselling author of the "The Scent Apothecary" series (Arena), will be signing her books for all fans of magical time travel into the world of fragrances and perfume bottles. One of Germany's most successful fantasy authors is now also captivating young readers with his mystical literary creations: Markus Heitz will be visiting the Leipzig Book Fair with the brand-new second volume of his "Irida" saga (Oetinger).
Teenagers whose hearts beat faster at the sound of exciting romance will find themselves right at home in Hall 3 when bestselling author Yasmin Shakarami reads from her moving latest novel, "Shadow Light" (cbj Jugendbuchverlag). However, those who prefer to immerse themselves in an enigmatic AI cosmos should not miss Ursula Poznanski's appearance: The Viennese thriller queen will present the third volume of her series "Erebos" (Loewe), for which she has already been awarded the German Youth Literature Prize.
Even more fascination and mysterious worlds – marvel, learn, and discover in every hall
The extensive program of events in the Children's and Young Adult Literature section takes place in Hall 3, including the Reading Booth (for children up to ten years old) and the Reading Tent (for children and young people ten years and older), as well as the Children's Bookstore. Young readers will also find plenty to enjoy in all the other halls, such as Hall 2, where the Audio Area offers listening pleasure for young and growing ears, or Hall 5, which this year houses the Main Stage, featuring numerous presentations, shows, competitions, and award ceremonies. Here, for example, the Working Group for Children's and Young Adult Literature will announce the nominees for the 2026 German Youth Literature Prize. The Working Group will also present the winners of the Kranichstein Children's and Young Adult Literature Scholarships in Hall 3.
... The new "piks" experimental space for children up to ten years old and the UVERSE youth campus for young people and young adults between ten and 22 years old offer a wide range of hands-on activities and opportunities for fun and playful learning. Both venues are located in the education area in Hall 2.
The Leipzig Book Fair takes place from March 19 to 22, 2026.
The program, including all authors, will be published starting February 19. Tickets are available in the online ticket shop.
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