Monika Osberghaus is the publisher of Klett Kinderbuchverlag. Only recently, the German translation of the children’s book “Rainbow Days” was published there. An already award-winning book by a young Norwegian author.
It’s probably becoming more and more normal that there’s just everything.
Photo: Monika Osberghaus (Copyright: Lichtbildnerei Leipzig)
Ms. Osberghaus, why do you think this book in particular won an award?
The jurors usually announce why they are awarding prizes to books. It was selected for the Best 7 because the jury liked the design and the way it deals with normal girl topics and at the same time diversity is presented in an unstrained way and without a sledgehammer. Also liked the sensitive and casual father figure. The reading guide, which booksellers in particular pay attention to, was probably awarded to it because it is an unusual story that is also easy to read and strikes a chord with reading children. Of course, we chose the book for all these reasons as well. Above all, however, because it so wonderfully celebrates the first infatuation – for which it doesn’t matter at all whether it is lived out as same-sex or hetero.
What motivated you to take up and publish the topic of diversity in children’s books?
Basically, we’re looking for good stories and stimulating books in every way, whether it’s with this theme or another. In the case of “Rainbow Days”, we had already thought for some time that it would be our turn to write a love story about two protagonists of the same sex. They exist in real life, so there should be more of them in children’s literature (and not just young adult literature). We were just waiting for a strong story, had also approached authors about it, but never with a result that we thought: This is it! But that’s how it was when we read this graphic novel.
In your opinion, what is the reality of children and young people’s lives today in terms of gender diversity among themselves, but also within families?
There is probably just everything and it is also tried out a lot. In any case, there is no uniform picture, nor is there a trend or a norm.
Are the issues of new family forms, such as rainbow families, co-parenting, or solo motherhood, now reflected in children’s books?
Yes, more and more often, especially in young people’s books.
How do you think “family” will evolve in the coming years, and what influence do children’s books contribute?
It’s probably becoming more and more normal that there’s just everything. I don’t think that children’s books have a lot of influence (parents and the environment still have the most influence), but they will do their part to ensure that everyone just finds diversity normal.
Is there anything you would like to add?
It’s always important to me that children get to know as many books and stories as possible, so not necessarily that individual books contain exactly the “good and true” things that we adults might want them to know. That would be too constricted for me. No – it’s best to throw books of all kinds at them, this also creates diversity in the head and heart, which makes you open to all kinds of things.
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