A school class of 13 teenagers, all with their own individual problems, all wondering what they should do after finishing school. Lost in a confusion of exotic dream jobs, more realistic plans, ideas and the lack of ideas, they all have one thing in common: they’re afraid. Afraid of failing, or of succeeding, but in the wrong area. Afraid of disappointing their parents, or themselves. Their teacher supports them; their parents sometimes do and sometimes don’t. Can friendship and solidarity offer a way out? And how can teenagers get stress and its physical effects under control?

Slower, faster, hopping, crawling, louder and softer … in music, rhythm and intonation change often – just like with Michael Hammerschmid’s words. Daily life turns into a somersaulting language game; every poem is an adventure of its own. What was, before I was? Where do I keep going, where do I stop? And does fun really have to end? Essential questions to ponder for young and old alike, with colourful, spirited, and highly original illustrations by María José de Tellería.

We all know there are lots of reasons to be angry, and feelings of anger usually find their way to the surface. Heinz Janisch has thought about all the things you could do with anger: uproot trees, get really loud, pick a fight with the elements … At some point, though, the anger is gone, and then it’s important that someone is there to catch you. Helga Bansch’s detailed and expressive illustrations are packed with feelings, bringing them humorously and poetically to the point.