Residence author Frauke Angel: Commitment to children’s literature
Frauke Angel is hard to hold. Already in the telephone interview with the Echternacher Struwwelpippi-Residenz author 2025 you can tell that she has acting training. And at the same time, a large curiosity can be seen about other life situations and people.
At the latest the children and adolescents who will come to the readings planned in the country in the next few weeks can look forward to the fact that Angel will not stop their lecture sterile behind the table. On the contrary: she goes into her young readers and revives her characters and the situations described in the books. Depending on the floor covering, it sometimes makes it barefoot, but definitely with body and facial expressions.
Children are very critical and immediately recognize when something is not authentic.
Frauke Angel
In addition to the content of your books and radio plays, this also contributed to the fact that it was recognized with so many industry awards? In any case, she is pleased that her application as a real residence author was successful. « I’m really excited. To be honest, I listened to my predecessors a bit beforehand and can obviously look forward to something really great; the residence was highly recommended to me, » Angel says before moving in.
The scholarship has an excellent reputation among the German -speaking authors. « The residence in Echternach is really an exception among the tenders – not only financially. We work in a precarious industry. Of course that plays a role. »
« A room for me alone » should come into focus in the opening reading reading Angel. Photo: Jungbrunnen Verlag
But also the calm, the proximity to nature and the feeling of being welcome and being welcomed everywhere are decisive points that make the residence attractive. « And some of the authors are mothers or fathers; and that the Echternach residence is quite suitable for family is one plus more. I therefore applied for such a scholarship for the first time, precisely because the framework conditions are so good. »
Unfortunately, children’s and youth book literature is still often smiled at and disadvantaged
Frauke Angel
On Friday, May 16, the public can get to know Angel directly at its opening reading in the Quäichleker Bichereck (from 7 p.m.). Fears of contact and concerns about the multilingualism of the Grand Duchy does not have it: « The advantage is that I come from the theater. My readings are very scenic and I have found that I can find a pretty good access to the children and to people who listen to me because a lot can be seen from my body language and from the interaction. »
Nearly to the target group: Frauke Angel is not afraid of contact. Photo: Frauke Angel
Among other things, she has two books from her portfolio in her luggage. « A room for me alone » could be in focus at the inaugural reading: « It is about a girl who would like to become a writer. But she has to share a room with her two brothers and has no peace. And as a writer, I am particularly looking forward to the peace in Echternach. » And the second? « A Liekeesch for Jascha » was only published in February 2025 – this deals with two people who do not speak the same language but can still communicate. « And that seems very important to me, » said Angel.
Realities of life instead of beautiful heal world
Once again, a Struwwelpippi author calls up more unusual themed groups. The residence is known for this. « With her literary and thematic diversity as well as stories that open up new perspectives on life and the world to the readers, she was able to convince the jury, » the managers write.
Small voice, great effect: like « Mia’s reading corner » children for reading enthusiastic
Poverty, serious illnesses, integration, divorce, drug use – for angel these are realities of life that she researches intensely; Also because they listen very precisely to children, special perspectives and language worlds that are copied and are therefore more accessible. « I often steal my fabrics of children. Not a single figure is invented, but only alienated. Children are very critical and recognize immediately when something is not authentic. And yes, I address problems, but who knows my books, knows that there is a lot of humor and loved ones; they are a declaration of love for life. And life is not a bullbü – for most people. »
« A Liekeesch for Jascha » is about the connecting power of sport. Photo: Gerstenberg Verlag
Until the official conclusion on June 13, Angel can live in Echternach and experience the Grand Duchy. But she is already happy about the recognition itself. The competitive pressure in the German -speaking market is strong, high requirements and second evaluations have rarity. « Unfortunately, children’s and youth book literature is still often smiled at and disadvantaged, » says Angel, who is committed to the scene.
The often months of effort for a book that appeals more difficult social issues is not covered with sales. « The mixed calculation must be right. The slightest part of my income comes out of sale. I earn more with readings and my work for the radio that are paid for after the broadcast. »
Frauke Angel sometimes researched months for her stories. Photo: private
The Struwwelpippi 2025 in the Kurzbio
Frauke Angel was born in 1974 and grew up as a workers’ child in the Ruhr area. After graduating from high school, she completed an acting training and worked behind the scenes on German stages almost 20 years before and behind the scenes before giving her radio play and 2017 her children’s book debut. Since then she has been writing books, plays, libretti and radio plays for children and adolescents.
She can fall back on a lot of life experience. She cared for her mother, but also worked « as a cleaning lady, seller, grave nurse, welder, bard name, air guitarist and ghostwriter ».
She has already been awarded many times for her texts- as with the Children’s and Youth Literature Award Eberhard, the Ruhr Literature Promotion Award, the Austrian Children’s and Youth Literature Award or the MDR Children’s Hirmer Prize. In 2021 she was awarded the title « Reading Artist of the Year » by the Börsenblatt of the German Book Trade.
The Struwwelpippi residence for German-speaking children’s and youth book authors is advertised by the city of Echternach and Trifolion Echternach in cooperation with the Luxembourg Cultural Ministry. The 23rd edition will take place from May 15 to June 13, 2025.
« During the time, the author explores the cultural and linguistic diversity of Luxembourg. The stay together with the annual jumping procession falls in honor of St. Willibrord, » said the organizers.
The residence’s supporting program enables pupils from primary schools and high schools in Echternach and beyond to experience and meet them personally. « The aim is to open children and adolescents access to language, reading and literature and to inspire them. »
