Our Values

In a world of diversity, one characterized by constant change and migration, the charitable organisation Baobab Books is committed to activities that will both promote respect for people of other backgrounds or beliefs and equal opportunities throughout the global community. Our work focuses on the book, which as an educational and cultural medium is particularly well-suited for conveying differences and nuances in social values.

Our Goals

The impressive Baobab, the African monkey bread tree, is our symbol. Stories are told in its shadows, traditions are passed on to the next generation for centuries. Books are the focus of our work, as their educational and cultural contents imbue them with an ability second to none to impart social values in a differentiated way. Our publications promote the availability of a broad and diverse range of books, and our projects animate people to think about their cultural roles, about prejudice and marginalisation. That is how we link the promotion of reading skills with the much important intercultural dialogue.

Our Activities

We provide a range of activities in German-speaking areas and through international collaborations. Our publications and events are not only directed at young people but also to adults, teachers, librarians and other educators.

Baobab Series

A fable about friendship from Tanzania, a picture book by indigenous artists from India, a youth novel from South Africa … the stories narrated in the Baobab Series are multifaceted. Sometimes bilingual, occasionally even handmade, Baobab Books' publishing programme is unique.

»Fremde Welten« (Other Worlds)

The »Fremde Welten« catalogue (»Other Worlds«, only available in German) is a tried and tested aid for teachers, librarians and other educators – as living together with people from different cultural backgrounds is a reality for many children and youths today. We recommend books that give readers an insight into other cultures, expand horizons and show the opportunities presented by living together.

Projects to promote intercultural dialog

Baobab Books not only publishes books and recommendations, it also actively promotes discussion and reflection about cultural identity as well as reading skills and literature through innovative projects at home and abroad.  This includes further training opportunities, reading tours and workshops, expert contributions as well as educational materials provided free of charge.    
     

Networking and documentation

Baobab Books is the only institution in German-speaking countries that specializes on the subjects of cultural identity in literature for children and young adults. We have been committed to the intercultural dialog for three decades now. For this we maintain a large network of contacts and foster cooperation with national and international partner organizations and organizers.
Our library holdings encompass a wide range of literature for children and young adults, both in German and other languages. These may be consulted upon request.