The writer was born 125 years ago and died 50 years ago. On the occasion of the big anniversary year, the International Youth Library, theater and new books commemorate the famous adult and children’s author.
“Man is good! There’s nothing to laugh about!” This is how a poem by Erich Kästner begins, and you can immediately hear the delicately mocking and sarcastic undertone of the famous writer: “He got it, as you hear, from the good Lord.” He also once created Kästner, all-round good, of course, on February 23rd 125 years ago. In Kästner’s big anniversary year, the birthday now offers just as much of a celebration and commemoration as the 50th anniversary of his death on July 29th.