Thunderbolt, storm and hail: “Das Kind und die Katze” (The child and the cat) is a book with text by Ingrid Bachér and pictures by artist and illustrator Rotraut Susanne Berner. It is about a little child, at home on her own at night, parents are gone out. Refusing to give in to her fear the little girl turns the cat into a lion in her imagination. The lion becomes a friend to protect her and to fight against the frightening thunderstorm.
The story about the strong power of fantasy is poetic and the illustrations are highly expressive, dramatic and in strong colors. We only knew the great, so called Wimmelbücher (crowd books) by Rotraut Susanne Berner. It is impressive to see such different work by her.
“Das Kind und die Katze” is published as one of “Die Tollen Hefte” (something as The stunning booklets), a beautiful bibliophilic series of small books that bring together literature and art. The little books are designed for maximum artistry at a minimum prize.
The trimmed size is obviously just small enough to print an entire 32-page book on a single press sheet. They are printed in spot color and are done as preseparated illustrations! It is worth to check out their site to fine more stunning books. Real gems in terms of quality and esthetics!
At one of our favorite blogs about books, FineFineBooks, you can read a great in-depth interview with editor Armin Abmeier. Since his death “Die Tollen Hefte” are published by his wife, Rotraut Susanne Berner.
