Sometimes I draw a house for us: Klett Children’s Books is giving away class sets of a children’s book about refugees

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Klett Kinderbuch Verlag is giving away class sets of the award-winning book *Manchmal male ich ein Haus für uns* by Alea Horst and Mehrdad Zaeri. Through this initiative, the Leipzig-based publisher aims to support teachers in engaging children in discussions about the experience of fleeing one’s home – and thereby countering prejudice and stereotyping. The offer is aimed particularly at schools in regions where right-wing populist views are widespread.

‘Manchmal male ich ein Haus für uns’ combines photographs by Alea Horst with interviews with children who describe their flight and everyday life in the refugee camp on the island of Lesbos. It also recounts the children’s dreams and creates a personal connection as well as a surprising sense of closeness between those affected and children living in the safety of Germany.

Teachers can request free class sets for their school whilst stocks last. The book is suitable for use in Years 4 to 8. The publisher asks interested schools to email info@klett-kinderbuch.de, stating the school’s address and the number of books required. Further information about the book and teaching materials is available on the Klett Kinderbuch Verlag website.

Publisher Monika Osberghaus explains the campaign as follows: “With this book, we have seen that children react with great empathy when they realise that refugee children are just like them – with their moments of joy and their hopes. We refuse to accept that the issue – particularly here in eastern Germany – is treated in such a negative light. This is a book that stands against hate speech; it inspires confidence and fosters understanding, which is why we are giving it away at just the right time. Schools are a good place for this kind of interaction.”

Klett Kinderbuch Verlag was founded in Leipzig in 2008 as a subsidiary of the Klett Group and has been an independent publisher since 2015. Seven to ten new titles for children aged between 2 and 12 are published every six months. Monika Osberghaus has been responsible for the programme since the beginning.