THE LADY WITH THE BOOKS

A STORY INSPIRED BY THE REMARKABLE WORK OF JELLA LEPMAN

WRITTEN BY KATHY STINSON

ILLUSTRATED BY MARIE LAFRANCE

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 discover a great hall filled with children's books — more than Anneliese can possibly count. Here, they meet the lady with the books, who will have a greater impact on the children's lives than they could ever have imagined. This moving story, based on the real life work of Jella Lepman, carries an important message about the power of books to heal and provide bridges of understanding.

• Globe and Mail Best 100 Books of 2020

• 2020 Books of the Year, A Mighty Girl

• Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, short-listed

• 2021 Outstanding International Books List

• Featured in The New York Times, “8 Picture Books about Books”

• “A story for book-loving children and adults who believe in the power of literature.” Kirkus Reviews

• “Equally adept at conveying the deprivation of post-war Germany and the power of stories to unlock hope.” Horn Book

• “Beautifully illustrated.” Quill & Quire, Starred Review

• “A poignant and powerful picture book, exquisitely illustrated by Lafrance’s pencil illustrations, that shows young readers that reading can be life-changing.” Globe and Mail

• “In today’s global political climate, the spirit of Jella Lepman seems a supremely important one to foster and this beautifully told story is a wonderful way to start.” ALJ News and Reviews