This book is inspired by the work of Jella Lepman. Jella was a woman who thought after the war that Germany’s kids needed books as much as they needed food and shelter. They needed a way to feel safe and comfortable. This book is about two children who experience her book exhibit, and how that helped take their mind off their hunger and community destruction. This book was simply lovely, and the real-life efforts that are talked about in the back as well as how the organization still lives on today. This is a must have a book for every library collection.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fictionalized story based on a real person. I think when writing for children, this is the way to go to help them learn about historical figures. I liked the pictures and the story was inspiring.

Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties with my computer and with Adobe Reader, I lost access to my previously downloaded copy of this title before I was able to review it.

I was looking forward to reading this book because it is based on a true story and because it takes place in the aftermath of World War Two. I was also looking forward to learning about Jella Lepman and everything that she did. I will likely purchase a copy of this book at some point.

I am sincerely sorry for not being able to provide a proper review for this title.

I love books based on real people and events. I also have loved the Story of Ferdinand since I was a child. Put those things together with a wonderful children's author and I loved this book. This was an excellent picture book about life for children in Germany after WWII. It introduces two siblings, Anneliese and Peter, who stumble upon an exhibition of children's books. They wander the streets of Munich during the day while their mother tries to care for them alone after the death of their father in the war. They originally thought there might be food as so many people were lined up, but were surprised at what they found.

So many books were destroyed by the Nazis, that there were no libraries or places to get books. Jella Lepman collected of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II. The books could not be borrowed, but they could spend the day reading them and having them read to them. It made for a place to escape and dream. This is a fictionalized account of Jella, a person that I have never heard of. This is a beautiful book, illustrated by Marie Lefrance. There is material at the back of the book with more information about Jella Lepman and IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People). She also selected Ferdinand from the books she gathered up and had it published in German to give away to children so they would have a book of their own. This is another example of a picture book that is not necessarily written for children, but for all ages to read, enjoy and learn from. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

When it comes to certain subjects, we can get a bit fatigued. Enough books get written about World War Two that we can begin to wonder if we really need any more. Are there really any new takes on this history? So I was a bit surprised to find that there was an element of the tale I had not yet heard. This is life immediately after the war in Germany. We see kids living in abject poverty. They have very little and no hope that things will get better. They quite literally have no idea where their next meal will come from. It is in this mindset that they encounter the book exhibition. And our narrator, as most of us would be, is a bit angry. Why should she care about books when she doesn't have food? But what starts as a simple distraction begins to represent hope, the possibility that things will get better, that there is still beauty in the world. A sweet story that I'd be interested in exploring in more detail.

Oh, this book is my heart! Using books to bring healing to children who've lived through war's ravages? Yes. Always. What a remarkable lady. I loved the book and I loved the end matter. It includes photos of Jella and her book exhibition and notes about how she got the books and what happened to them in the end. A wonderful story that needs to be shared!

This is a beautiful book inspired by the work of a little-known woman in history: Jella Lepman. The story itself follows two young German children, immediately after World War II, who encounter Jella Lepman and her book exhibit, and leave it with more delight and hope for the future than when they entered it.

The illustrations are colorful and inviting, and the story is engaging. At the end of the book are 5 pages about Jella Lepman and her work, including photos.

This is an inspiring and informative read, which will stay with readers, whether they read the biographical information at the end or not.

I knew I wanted to read and review this book the minute I saw it on NetGalley. I requested it, but before the publisher could approve it, I saw that it was available for download on Edelweiss by Above the Treeline. Win!

The eponymous woman is Jella Lepman, who was given the important task of helping rebuild the lives of German children suffering from the aftermath of WWII. It is important to remember that the common folk in Germany suffered in the war too. Jella Lepman believed that books were just as important for children as food, and hit upon the idea of organising an exhibition of children’s books from across the world. It was her faith that such stories would help German children feel connected with children from other countries. She wrote to several countries asking for their books, and in 1946, managed to gather a collection of 4000+ books which she took across four cities in Germany.

Lepman believed that knowing about other countries and cultures would help children see how life is similar no matter where you’re from. We all feel the same feelings of love and joy and sorrow, we all have similar dreams and hopes and fears. This awareness would lead to less divisiveness, and would help prevent another war. Based on this belied, she continued her work in the field of children’s literature and was one of the founding members of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) that helps children affected by wars and natural disasters, using activities like storytelling and building collections of books for their use.

Coming to the book, it is a beautifully illustrated story of Anneliese and her younger brother Peter who live with their mother in war-torn Munich. Life is hard and they can barely make ends meet, with Anneliese sometimes resorting to stealing fruit from the street vendors. On one of their walks through the city, they come across a wonderful sight - a big hall filled with books- colourful, with pictures, some in languages they can’t even read. And they meet the lady who has organised the exhibition. She reads out to them, points out books they would like, and introduces a different kind of joy to their bleak lives. As Anneliese and Peter discover stories, they rediscover their ability to dream and be happy again. 🙂

I loved the gentle illustrations which have a lovely old-timey feel to them. And I particularly liked how the motifs of flowers that emerge from Ms Lepman’s storytelling session follow Peter as he walks back home...a visual depiction of the hope and joy carried home by the children. 🙂

Recommended for kids aged 3-5years, to be read to, and kids aged 6-7years for self reading. You can also use this book to talk about the ill effects of war if you would like to discuss it with very young readers.

This was a really cute story about classic children's books set in post-war Germany. The illustrations were gorgeous and it's always great to read a book by a Canadian author and illustrator.

Who was Jella Lepman? She was "The Lady with the Books", and this wonderful children's picture book will tell you all about her. This fictionalized story is about 2 German children who, after World War 2, discover an amazing book exhibit in their war-torn city. The engaging story is accompanied by lovely illustrations that help tell the story with detail and imagination. After the story ends, the book includes factual information about Jella Lepman, her traveling book exhibit, and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which she helped found.

It's important to share real stories about real people who chose to care and love others, especially in difficult times. It's especially important to share these stories with our children, leaving space for questions and feelings about the hard and sad issues that some of these books portray. "The Lady with the Books" is one of these stories, and discussing WW2 with your children (in age-appropriate language and concepts) would be helpful after reading.

I had no idea who Jella Lepman was, nor had I heard the story of the traveling book exhibit until I read this book. I am now intrigued to learn more and inspired by Jella's involvement with the children of post-WW2 Germany. I believe "The Lady with the Books" will inspire you as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Kids Can Press, for access to an advanced reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

An utterly beautiful book in every way. The simple but carefully written story introduces children and adults to the amazing Jella Lepman and her work to heal and unite children through stories and books in post war Germany. The illustrations are simply stunning. I read this book to my elderly Mum who lived through the war and for whom stories have been a constant companion and she had tears in her eyes This book should be on every school, library and home bookshelf.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to experience this wonderful book early.

I volunteered to read this book, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. This is such a wonderful children's book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. This book will be in stores on October 6, for $19.99 (CAD).

Thanks NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC for honest review.
Walking down the road of post war Munich with Anneliese and her brother Peter in this story, I came to know about the lady with books. I also came to know some facts I did not know about post war rehabilitation of German. I loved how this book showed the influence of books in people's life.
A children's book with perfect blend of fiction and facts. A must read.

The Lady with the Books by Kathy Stinson is a child's story inspired by the true account of a woman who brought books to children in the aftermath of the war in Germany. It's beautifully illustrated with an old-timey feel and artistic flourishes. I read this aloud with my 3.5 yr old son.

Ultimately, my son didn't care for this book and didn't want to finish it. He's a bit young. But I don't entirely disagree with his lack of interest. This reads like yet another book written for very young kids but should have been for middle grade or older. I'm intrigued by the real history and the kid's lives, this would have made a really neat middle grade novel, much like Pam Munoz Ryan's Echo, but fell flat as a young reader book. I'm not sure who I imagine reading this book, I can think of adults who would find it interesting, but not kids. The kids who are old enough to be enchanted by this piece of history and love of reading are too old for this format.

I'm torn on how to give this story a star rating. It's well written and beautifully illustrated, but I wouldn't buy it or rent it from the library.

Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This is a book for children that has the ability to make adults cry.
A story about two siblings in the post World War II Germany and their discovery of love for books that helps change the world.
I loved this book from the first page. It is a book that deals with such a beautiful topic and the contribution of a wonderful lady like Jella Lepman.
The change of the world is in the hands of our children.

I can imagine myself in the future with my little ones reading this story. Teaching them about the blessings of freedom and the beauty of literature.

This was a very sweet story, made all the better by learning it's based on a true one. I think parents and teachers will be more excited about it than children, however. Loved the artwork especially.

I received an electronic ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley.
Based on the true mission of Jella Lepman to bring books to Germany's children following World War II. She requested books from 20 countries to help build bridges and healing. Stinson creates a story of two siblings - Anneliese and Peter - who attend the book exhibition and hear Jella read about Ferdinand and Babar. Detailed illustrations show the juxtaposition between the destroyed buildings and the hope of reading. Use to show connections around the world and how hope can remain after war's destruction.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is a true story about a woman who brought books to children in Germany after WWII. Very interesting and I loved the illustrations.

Such a hopeful encouraging story about such a horrible time in our history. I love hearing about people who did such lovely things despite circumstances, and I'd never heard of her before.

The Lady with the Books is a fictionalized account of how Jella Lepman brought books to the children of war-ravaged Germany. It follows Annaliese and Peter, two young children who are struggling after the loss of their father. One day, they stand in what they think is a line for food, only to stumble into an exhibition of children's books.

The story itself is well written and the subject matter is fascinating. Of course, books like this often have a section of notes at the back, and this one is no exception. They're just as interesting as the main narrative, and I learned some interesting facts (including that there's a "Book Castle" in Blutenburg Castle; it's also known as the International Youth Library, and has the largest collection of children's literature in the world).

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love to read. It underscores the importance of having books to read... and being able to read them freely.