Autumn Academy in Hildesheim: Children's books for better coexistence!

Autumn Academy in Hildesheim: Children's books for better coexistence!

On October 16, 2025, the #Kinderbuch Autumn Academy took place at the University of Hildesheim. At this event, scientists from various disciplines came together to shed light on the topic of “living together”. The Academy emphasized the analysis of children's books from a variety of professional perspectives, including literary studies, education, and theater studies. Important aspects that were in focus were flight and migration as well as other central social issues.

The variety of topics discussed also included the culture of remembrance, climate change and dealing with fake news. Particular attention was paid to the living conditions of children from precarious backgrounds. The results of the event show that current social challenges are quickly addressed in children's books and are presented in a variety of ways. The people organizing the event, including Meike Baader and Viola Georgi, also openly asked the question of how these topics could be presented in a child-friendly way.

Children's books as an educational medium

There is a clear need for child-friendly literature, particularly with regard to flight and migration. Loud kaenguru-online.de Even small children should be familiarized with these topics in order to promote empathy and tolerance. A careful selection of books for children aged 3 to 14 shows how literary stories convey the concepts of flight and migration in an age-appropriate manner.

• Elenis Konfetti: Refugees Welcome (ab 3 Jahren) – Ein wichtiges Buch, das die Begegnung zwischen Eleni und geflüchteten Menschen beleuchtet.
• Die Flucht (ab 4 Jahren) – Ein eindringlicher Bericht, wie ein Mädchen und ihre Mutter vor dem Krieg fliehen.
• In der Schlange der Träume (ab 4 Jahren) – Die Geschichte eines Vaters und seines Sohnes, die auf der Flucht vor dem Krieg sind.
• Von weit her (ab 5 Jahren) – Saoussans Herausforderungen in einem neuen Land werden thematisiert.
• Alle da! – Unser kunterbuntes Leben (ab 5 Jahren) – Ein Blick auf das multikulturelle Leben in Deutschland.
• Warum müssen Menschen flüchten? (ab 6 Jahren) – Interaktive Erklärungen zu Flucht und Integration.
• Mein Freund Salim (ab 8 Jahren) – Freundschaft und Hilfe für geflüchtete Kinder stehen im Mittelpunkt.
• Wir sind (die) Weltklasse (ab 8 Jahren) – Adams Erlebnisse in einer divers zusammengesetzten Klasse werden erzählt.
• Kanak Kids – Halb angepasst und voll dazwischen (ab 14 Jahren) – Eine starke Perspektive auf das Leben zwischen verschiedenen Kulturen.

Literary perspectives on escape

In addition to the selection of children's books that deal with escape and migration competencenetwork-deki.de a guide to children's books on these topics. This collection is intended to stimulate conversations between children and adults and promote critical thinking about prejudice. Particular emphasis is placed on prejudice-conscious education, without stereotypical content.

The event at the University of Hildesheim and the associated discussions show how relevant children's books are today. They help to address important social issues and sensitize children to the challenges of other living environments. In addition, the participants in the autumn academy encouraged biographical memories and reflections on the changes in children's books. The close cooperation between the various disciplines gives reason to hope for continued engagement with these important topics.