Andreas Steinhöfel is an award-winning German writer of children’s books. He received the Erich Kästner Prize for Literature in 2009 and the German Children’s Literature Award in 2013. In addition to writing books for young readers, he also works as a translator, writes for television and radio, and edits graphic novels. Born in 1962 in Battenberg, Germany, he now lives in Berlin. Other books by Andreas Steinhöfel available in English are The Spaghetti Detectives, An Elk Dropped In, and The Center of the World.
A sophisticated children’s book… The combination of story, illustrations, music, and sage perspectives from young and old characters helps young readers to enhance their appreciation for music and build awareness of and empathy for elders who are struggling in their later years but who still have much to offer.
Friends Journal
The combination of the story, the illustrations, the music, and the bits of sage perspective from the young and old characters helps young readers to enhance their appreciation for music and to build awareness of and empathy for elders who are struggling in their later years but who still have much to offer. Readers may also begin to realize the simple potential of their own gumption.
Friends Journal
Deftly written… A touching story for children ages 6 to 12 about dementia and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
Midwest Book Review
A quiet story and pleasant music combine for a calming, peaceful, and even uplifting performance.
Kirkus Reviews
Steinhöfel tenderly captures a child’s fear and understanding of a loved one with dementia…. Lush, evocative language, tingly with a sense of place and emotion, is accompanied by Palmtag’s colored pencil illustrations that prove a perfect match with their whimsy and tenderness. With its loving portrayal of aging, caring for the elderly, and the keen nature of kids’ sensibilities, this is a must-purchase for all libraries serving children.
School Library Journal, Starred Review
A story that enchants on several levels.
Augsburger Allgemeine
A work of art…close to reality, but light, deep, and drenched with sunlight.