The lady with the books : a story inspired by the remarkable work of Jella Lepman

A fictionalized retelling of how books from around the world helped children in Germany recuperate after WWII. Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books - more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who will have a larger impact on the children's lives than they could have ever imagined. The place between despair and hope can often be found between the covers of a book. Inspired by true events, a fictionalized retelling of how one woman brought a world of books to children in Germany after World War II, and changed their lives forever. Anneliese and Peter will never be the same after the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich, the children follow a line of people entering a building, thinking there may be free food inside. Instead, they are delighted to discover a great hall filled with children's books --- more books than Anneliese can count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who encourages the children to read as much as they want. And she invites them to come back the next day. Eventually, she will have a greater impact on the children's lives than they could ever have imagined. This moving picture book, written by beloved and award-winning author Kathy Stinson, is based on the real-life work of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. Lepman's collection of children's books from around the world traveled throughout Germany after World War II in the hope of building ?bridges of understanding? between countries. Brought to life by highly acclaimed illustrator Marie Lafrance, this book carries an important message about international cooperation that still resonates with world events today. It includes further information about Lepman and her work as well as historical photos. This story of the children who survived the war offers a unique and often unexplored perspective for history lessons. It also makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on resilience. A portion of the author's royalties will be donated to IBBY's Children in Crisis Fund. "Anneliese and her little brother Peter have been forever changed by the war that took their father's life. One day, while wandering the ruined streets of Munich in search of food, they stumble upon a book exhibit. The great hall is filled with more books than Anneliese can count! Here, Anneliese and Peter meet the lady with the books, who will have a greater impact on their lives than they could ever imagine. The Lady with the Books is based on the true story of Jella Lepman, founder of the International Board on Books for Young people (IBBY) and the International Youth Library. In 1946, her exhibit of children's books from around the world travelled throughout Germany to show "bridges of understanding" between countries. Jella believed that these books would help German children feel connected to others around the world and that they were the best hope of preventing another war."-- Provided by publisher