The Chairs: A Story of Belonging

Britta Teckentrup's most timely story yet is a warm and deeply felt tale of belonging, exclusion, and the power of community. One day, a yellow chair appears in a sunlit forest clearing - and nobody knows how it got there. Then another arrives, and another. As the clearing fills with creatures of every kind, a tender and joyful home takes shape, built on the simple pleasure of sharing a space with others. But when exclusionary signs begin to appear overnight, that spirit is put to the test - and the animals must find the strength to reclaim what they have built together. With her characteristic layered textures, glowing forest light, and richly populated scenes that reward slow looking, Teckentrup transforms a deceptively simple setting into a fully realized world where each creature has a face, a feeling, and a place to call its own. Funny, touching, and genuinely wise, with one particularly unforgettable scene involving a very large bear and a pair of woolly socks, The Chairs speaks directly to experiences children know from their own lives: the sting of being left out, the resolve it takes to stand up for others, and the joy of a community that welcomes all. AGES: 5 plus AUTHOR: Britta Teckentrup is the award-winning author of dozens of books for children and adults. Her books from Prestel include The Swing, Before I Wake Up, When I See Red, the Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog series, and many others. SELLING POINTS: . PERFECT FOR fans of Britta Teckentrup's previous books, parents and children who appreciate the evocative artwork and thoughtful story, parents who will use the book as a tool to discuss more difficult topics with children, and adults who can also relate to the gentle stories and thoughtful exploration of exclusion. . A MEDITATION ON THE VALUE OF TOGETHERNESS: The Chair offers a poetical parable about human coexistence and the damage that isolation and hostility can cause which allows parents the opportunity to explore difficult topics with children. . A DEFT PRESENTATION OF DEEP CONVICTIONS: Behind Britta Teckentrup's simple and clear prose lie deep emotions and meanings. This allusive approach gives children the opportunity to fill in the gaps in the story and contribute their own experiences. . GORGEOUSLY ILLUSTRATED: The unique artwork in the book will appeal to adults and children alike. . A GLOBALLY RENOWNED AUTHOR: Britta Teckentrup is an extremely successful author and well known in many countries across the world. . A GIFT BOOK FOR ALL AGES: A rewarding experience for both children and adults.