Reading and chat series: A tribute to Benno Pludra in Weimar

Reading and chat series: A tribute to Benno Pludra in Weimar

A very special afternoon awaits visitors to the reading and chat series "Childhood Books" on July 9, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the Literature Day in Weimar. The focus is on Benno Pludra, who is considered one of the most successful youth book authors of the GDR. Over five million copies of his works found their way to reading enthusiasts and adolescents. This event not only promises a review of its impressive work, but also exciting insights into its creative world. According to radiolotte will design anja tuckermann and sabine arndt and a special attention to Pludras popular book "Lütt Matten and the white shell".

Benno Pludra, born on October 1, 1925 in Mückenberg, spent his childhood in a working -class family. He went through an eventful life story that led him from the merchant navy to the GDR literary scene. These versatile experiences predestined him to write about the special features of children's and youth literature. The works of Pludras often thematize home and nature and are clear and urgently kept. Many of its stories are rooted in eastern Germany, which the readers particularly appealed to. As already explained Wikipedia , Pludra published over 40 children's and youth books that were not only in the GDR, but also as license expenditure in the west.

from the literature on award

his story “Siebenstorch” received the German Youth Literature Prize in the Children's Book division in 1992, after he was successful in 1951 in the award statement to promote socialist children's literature. As on youth literature.org , Pludra's style shows his sympathy for weak and outsiders, without drifting into a social romance. Instead, his texts are humorous and to the point, which has had a significant influence on the reading socialization of young people.

Pludra's path to one of the most influential voices in the GDR children's literature was not always easy. His upbringing and experience in the merchant navy shaped him. So he survived the downfall of a ship, which gave him a special perspective when writing. After the war he continued to be a new teacher and began to find his importance for children's literature.

an evening full of memories

On July 9th, the literary afternoon will offer an opportunity to deal with Pludra's legacy. The event aims to achieve both younger generations and adults who connect memories of their own childhood with its stories. All interested parties are invited to have Benno Pludra kidnapped into the literary world under the motto "Childhood books". Do not miss this opportunity to take a look into the soul of an author who has decisively shaped the children's literature of the GDR.