How everything began. German children's book production in the post‐war period under the influence of British occupation policy

Gentian childhood between 1945 and 1949 appeared relatively cheerful, if the titles of children's books are to be believed. However, the reality was somewhat different with food, clothing and the basic materials for book production difficult to procure. At the end of the war, denazification, the confiscation of literature and the licensing of publishers also played a major part in the context for publishing children's books. About 27 publishers received a license for children's and young people's literature and around 1500 titles were published up to November 1946, 60% of them fairy tales or picture books. English children's classics were also published, and bilingual editions produced. Journals were also important, with more realistic portrayals of children's situations evident. Jella Lepman's work in founding the International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek) in 1948 was one further indication of the development of publishing for children.