A fascinating story and an indominable woman, set just after WWII as Jella uses her background, language skills, and persuasive tactics to force creation of exhibitions and libraries for the children of Germany and other war-ravaged countries. This book will expose kids to the sexism she faced (over and over and over), and the suffering that the war created. Definitely subject matter for older kids - it's pretty heavy stuff! Lots of details and a compelling story. The illustrations are very fitting - some are dark and brooding, others are light and filled with recognizable characters from children's literature. We might not have liked Jella, but we have to respect what she accomplished! Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the eARC!

I loved reading this! I did not know anything about this woman or this topic. I am an early childhood educator and mother to a young child currently, and I can attest to the LOVE of stories/books/characters that are constantly in their lives. Of course this would apply to German children post WW2. I think Jella is intensely brave and love how she was a consistent advocate no matter what child or situation came up, she stuck to her main goal.

Books are a bridge to peace.
Jella was born in in Germany before the World Wars but was forced to move to England with her two children after her husband died and Hitler came to power. She continued working in publishing once there and when the war was over, she saw how much there was to be done for the children of war who also were without hope. She knew that they needed food for the soul as much as they needed food to eat. She was able to meet with an influential American general or two as well as Eleanor Roosevelt who had her introduced to such as University of Chicago, NYPL, MoMA, and the head of the Rockefeller Foundation. In time she became involved with the Young People's United Nations, the UN and UNESCO International Youth Library. Calls went out to most North American and European countries. "Norway replied that there were no books readily available but they had asked Norwegian children to look through their own shelves and send any books that they might want to share with" the children of war-torn Europe. Most donated books and also paintings done by children of the different countries that depicted things in their land which they wanted to share with the children in Germany. There are many photos both historical and 21st century interspersed throughout this amazing biography. Jella is the founder of International Youth Library and International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) established 11-18-1951.
Katherine Paterson is also the author of Bridge to Terabithia and many other favorites.
The multicolored sketches by illustrator Sally Deng are simple, colorful, and expressive.
Well suited for reading by someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof on Adobe Digital Editions from Chronicle Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#JellaLepmanAndHerLibraryOfDreams by Katherine Paterson @ChronicleBooks #illustratorSallyDeng @IBBYINT @bookstorealerts @CBCBook

Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle for the digital arc.
Jella Lipman, a journalist who fled Nazi Germany with her two children, joined the military and as World War II came to a close, was given the assignment to go back to Germany and see how best to reestablish a society that had been crushed by the Nazi culture. Jella's plan was to start with the youngest members of German society, the children, in hopes their generation would not replicate the dysfunction of their parents. This book chronicles of her professional work as an advocate for children's books, first by campaigning for book donations from any and all sources, and then the coordination of facilities and development of programs which allowed the German children to share and to learn with children in other countries. It was definitely an exercise in bibiotherapy on a national scale. Where ever Jella established her programs, the children responded and new ideas flourished. She went on to found the International Youth Library and the International Board on Books for Youth (IBBY). Excellent book about an amazing woman who lived to change the world for the better through children and books.

This book is scheduled to be published in February 2025. You should definitely keep your eyes open for it at your local bookstore or library. I am grateful for Chronicle Book and NetGalley who helped me learn of this daring hero who has impacted countless lives.

Jella Lepman was a Jewish German woman who escaped the war and moved to England with her son. After the war she was conscripted to return to Germany and find the best way to help the woman and children recover. With her past experience in publishing Jella went to work. She decided the best way to help Germany recover from the war was to return children's book to her home country.

Jella believed that "children all too soon would fall into the wrong hands if no help came from the outside world." With sheer determination and the cost of 20 stamps Jella was able to help her dream become a reality. She was instrumental in helping form an International Youth Library. Countries from all over the world sent books to be included in a display of hope and peace. Jella fought tirelessly to bring books to children in need and supply them with a safe place to read. She was blessed to work with important people like Eleanor Roosevelt, representatives from the Rockefeller Foundation, and many authors and illustrators. Jella's life work has had lasting impacts on libraries and on the International Board on Books for Young People.

Done in a graphic novel format that tricks you into being farther along than you expected. Jella was a power that didn't take no for an answer. Every book I've read about WWII has some new discovery for me, books for children never crossed my radar. This book is easy enough for young readers and interesting enough for adults.

What a wonderful book for all ages, really, but directed at younger readers. The story of a German reader who is adamant to save stories for youn reader during and immediately after WWII. I had never heard of Jella Lehman and was engrossed by her story and determination to save book and create a space for children to read. Her Library still stand (and has grown,) and is on my list of place to visit. I am sure others, after reading this will want to discover more about her and visit her library. Fascinating and inspirational read.

This was a really interesting (and beautifully illustrated!) read about a woman I hadn't previously been familiar with, Jella Lepman. WOW! What a story, and what a life she lived.

It's a book about a whoman who loved books ... and that's something I can absolutely get behind (and relate to all too much, hehe). And for a "picture book," it was surprisingly informative and dealt with a lot of heady topics--and also illustrated, literally and figuratively, that kids are smarter than we give them credit for. A whole generation of children aged very quickly during WWII, and we saw that represented here.

There was one passing reference to Hitler wanting to make Germany great again--a not-so-subtle reference to American politics I didn't feel was necessary. That aside, I appreciated the book very much and thought it well worth the read.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this beautiful story all about Jella Lepman and what she has accomplished in her life. The illustrations also just added so much to the story. If you enjoyed the picture book, Winnie. I highly suggest you pick this one up as well. Thanks to Netgalley for the E-arc.

Very well written. This was an interesting book about post-war Germany and building a children's library. I liked the illustrations and photos.