Children's book author Alice Pantermüller looks forward to reading in Bocholt

Bocholt - The well-known children's and youth book author Alice Pantermüller ("Mein Lotta-Leben", "Florentine Blix") will be reading from her works in Bocholt next Wednesday, 6 March. Claudia Alders, head of the children's and youth library in Bocholt, spoke to the author in advance.

Claudia Alders: "Mrs Pantermüller, what do you actually think of when you think of a library? Do you associate any special memories with the subject?"

Alice Pantermüller: "In the Flensburg of my childhood, there was of course a public library, but it was too far away from my parents' house. But there was a book bus! Every fortnight - at least I think so - it was parked not far from us at the top of the street and my sister and I hardly ever missed it to stock up on new books. You couldn't buy as many books as we devoured.

Alders: "And today?..."

Pantermüller: "I now look forward to reading in a library every time. The atmosphere is always nicer than in a classroom or a gym. Libraries are often housed in historical or modern buildings that are flooded with light. You're surrounded by books - it's simply cosy."

Actually, I read more during a reading trip than I do at home.

Alice Pantermüller

Alders: "You were already on a reading tour in the Borken district last year. Is there anything that you particularly remember from Bocholt?"

Pantermüller: "I really remember the city library in Bocholt, which is not only strategically located right next to the railway station, which is not to be underestimated when you're travelling with a suitcase full of books, but also combines exactly that: the old station building with a modern extension full of windows and light. And I still remember the Aasee lake, where I used to go for walks when the weather was nice while I learnt Danish vocabulary with my app."

Alders: "You are currently on a reading tour again. Are there any books that you particularly enjoy reading then?"

Pantermüller: "I actually read more when I'm travelling than when I'm at home. When I get back to the hotel after several readings, I like to lie down on the bed and reach for a book. It's best when it's a good book. By that I mean: I don't prefer any particular genre, a favourite book can just as easily be a thriller as a love story or a life story, as long as I find it enriching."

Alders: "Do you have a special tip?"

Pantermüller: "I like the books by Icelandic author Hallgrímur Helgason, for example. Dörte Hansen's "Lunch Hour" also left me feeling inspired. When I come home after a long reading trip, there are usually unanswered emails, the washing machine and other tasks waiting for me that keep me from reading."

Children's book author in Bocholt on Wednesday

Alice Pantermüller will be a guest in Bocholt next Wednesday, 6 March. Her live reading for children and young people aged 9 and over starts at 4 p.m. Tickets cost 5 euros and are available from the city library.

Pantermüller is known for her book series "Mein Lotta-Leben", of which there are now 19 books, two film adaptations and numerous audio books. The novels about the detective "Florentine Blix" are also very popular with children and young people.