2025 German Children's Book Prize: Big Emotions, Little Judges – Children Choose Their Favorite Stories / Shortlist Now Finalized

Heeslingen, Rostock, August 11, 2025. –What happens when children aren’t just reading, but are allowed to decide for themselves which book they love the most? That is exactly what the German Children’s Book Prize demonstrates, once again bringing beaming faces, exciting reading sessions, and plenty of emotion this year. Because with the German Children’s Book Prize, young readers have the final say: 32 children between the ages of six and ten, selected from all federal states, read every story on the shortlist chosen by a panel of experts—and decide with heart and enthusiasm which book moves them the most.

This year’s award ceremony at the terminal building of Rostock-Laage Airport once again highlights just how important this perspective is: children are the best critics, and their voices truly matter. It’s not just about exciting stories, but about adventure, friendship, and the magic of reading—which creates worlds out of letters and makes children’s eyes light up.

Ten books have made it onto this year’s shortlist—the list of the best titles with the strongest chances of winning the book prize or one of the other awards—and each one is compelling in its own way: “Little Grimlin and a Big Dose of Courage” (by Barbara Rose), “That’s Not Funny!” and “The Villain-Catching Club: A Funny and Thrilling Children’s Mystery” (both by Martin Muser), “The Little Evil Moves In… and Out and Back In Again” (by Jan Strathmann), “The Best Hiding Place of the Summer (and Lots of Raspberry Ice Cream)” (by Nora Hoch), “Lua Luftwurzel – You Can’t Catch Silver Elves” (by Christoph Minnameier), “A Liekesch for Jascha” (by Mehrnousch Zaeri-Esfahani and Frauke Angel), “Muffin and Tört! 1: With the Vikings” (by Adam Stower), “Patti Gets to Work” (by Edith Schachinger), and “Wonder and Me” (by Britta Sabbag). The shortlist for best illustration includes the titles: “Solche Freunde” (illustrations by Elsa Klever), “Boah, was für ein Fahrrad” (text and illustrations by Caspar David Engstfeld), and “Geniale Augen” (illustrations by Vitali Konstantinov).

Behind this selection is a diverse panel of adult judges—comprising educators, librarians, booksellers, and parents—who, acting independently of publishers, select the top ten titles from all the submissions. But in the end, the children’s jury makes the final decision—and thus those for whom all these stories were written. In recognition of their dedication, the children receive not only the books but also a book voucher—because they are the future of reading.

With total prize money of 100,000 euros—50,000 euros for first place, €10,000 for second place, €5,000 for third place, €2,500 each for fourth through tenth place, and €10,000 for the best illustration—the German Children’s Book Prize is not only one of the most highly endowed prizes in the German-speaking world, but above all a celebration of the joy of reading, creativity, and the valuable child’s perspective.

“Reading brings joy. It sparks the imagination, opens up the world, provides access to education, and lays the foundation for a self-determined life,” emphasizes Jasmin Schröter, the initiative’s founder, who, as both a philanthropist and a mother, is firmly committed to the future of reading. The German Children’s Book Prize thus sets an example—for diversity in children’s literature, for fostering creative writing talent, and especially for inspiring children to love books and amplifying their voices.

The award ceremony for the German Children’s Book Prize will take place on October 11, 2025, in a truly unique setting: the event will be held in the terminal building at Rostock/Laage Airport. In doing so, the prize continues its tradition of being awarded in a different German city each year to highlight the importance of children’s literature in various regions.

For more information, contact details, and full information about the award-winning works, please visitwww.deutscher-kinderbuchpreis.com.