Bringing Austrian children's literature to Vietnamese readers

On the occasion of International Children's Day June 1 and the 67th anniversary of the founding of Kim Dong Publishing House (June 17, 1957 - June 17, 2024), this unit organized a program to introduce children's books by famous Austrian writer Mira Lobe.

The program, held on June 1, hopes to connect and exchange between the two cultures of Austria and Vietnam, and is also an opportunity to introduce to Vietnamese readers the children's literature of this European country through the typical works of writer Mira Lobe.

The picture book series was introduced in Vietnam. (Source: Kim Dong Publishing House)

At the launch, children will have the opportunity to interact with translator Chu Thu Phuong, watch a play performed by the German Club - Diplomatic Academy and visit an exhibition of illustrations of Mira Lobe's works by two artists Susi Weigel and Angelika Kaufmann.

Mira Lobe's works introduced by Kim Dong Publishing House include the novella Grandma on the Apple Tree and three picture books: "Come Here!" Said the Cat, I Am My Little Self and The City Around and Around .

Mira Lobe (1913-1995) was born in Görlitz (Germany) and lived for a while in Palestine (then part of Britain). In 1951, she followed her husband, actor and theater producer Friedrich Lobe, to Vienna to work.

She chose the Austrian capital as her home and the city had a great influence on her writing. When she became a mother, Mira Lobe wrote children's books, which quickly brought her fame.

Mira Lobe has written over 100 books and her works have been translated into over 30 languages. Each of her stories is filled with a wonderful language and full of love.

Writer Mira Lobe. (Source: Kim Dong Publishing House)

Her main collaborator in children's picture books is artist Susi Weigel, who transforms the books into rich visual art for young children.

Grandma in the Apple Tree tells the story of a young boy named Andi's longing for a grandmother.

That longing leads him to beautiful games, realizing Andi's dreams and connecting her with a real grandmother.

Dreams and aspirations are the path to a better and more humane life.

The book received the Austrian Children's and Young Adult Book Prize in 1965 and was included in the Austrian State Prize Honor Roll in 1971.

Mira Lobe's three picture books , Come Here! Said the Cat, I Am Little Me , and The Roundabout City , are also notable works that have won numerous awards and been translated into many languages.

Whether in novels or comics, Mira Lobe shows a respectful view of children.

For her, the world can only be better when young citizens have their own voice. Mira Lobe's literature promotes the spirit of charity, peace, and profound humanity.

Writer Mira Lobe once confided: “The profound meaning of stories written for children, in my opinion, is to help children gain confidence. Writing is a beautiful job, truly beautiful. When writing, people feel they are alive. That is the second most beautiful feeling, only after the feeling of being loved.”

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/mang-van-hoc-thieu-nhi-ao-den-voi-doc-gia-viet-nam-272973.html