Stein premiere: Winner of Youth Literature Prize, Will Gmehling unveils new book - prior to its market release
Here Comes a Rare Spectacle:
A Prize-winning Author Unveils His New Masterpiece in a Primary School, Kicking Off a Statewide Literacy Initiative
Imagine this: a lauded literary genius, fresh off the German Youth Literature Prize, sneaks into a small-town primary school with an as-yet-unreleased book in hand. The date today is no ordinary one, for Will Gmehling unveiled his latest opus "Kick-off at the Beginning," a football-themed poetry marvel in Stein, a quaint town nestled in Fürth's district. As the official release is set for July 7, 2025, this was a groundbreaking, secretive affair. The artful illustrations were courtesy of Antje Damm.
This exclusive book launch served as the grand opening for the "Reading Rumble 2025," a state-wide endeavor hosted at the primary school of Stein. Given the subject matter, it couldn't have been more appropriate: the poetic anthem delves into the universal bond that football forges, transcending gender and age. "It's all about football being a worldwide connector - be it young or old, boys or girls," noted Gmehling. In traditional literary terms, this isn't a novel but a symphonic poem - an artful, moving exploration of a subject that stirs the masses.
The backdrop couldn't have been more fitting: the melodious, school choir heralded the event, and a small troupe from the Stein Music School graced the occasion. Following their entrance, several VIPs, including Dr. Claudia Maria Pecher, President of the German Academy for Children's and Youth Literature, Jürgen Pfau, Vice President of the Bavarian Football Association, and Landrat Bernd Obst, took center stage. All emphasized the power of mingling football and literature.
"Why not pass the ball to read?" mused Landrat Bernd Obst, expressing the core idea behind the project: to pique children's interest in reading through their football fervor. In this age of screen supremacy in kids' rooms, fostering a reading culture is vital.
Jürgen Pfau, from the Bavarian Football Association, concurred, "I firmly believe that the mission to spark a passion for reading in boys - and recruit new football enthusiasts - is paramount. Physical and mental wellbeing are inextricably linked."
The "Reading Rumble" was a collaborative effort between the German Academy for Children's and Youth Literature and the Bavarian Football Association. Their goal is to engage primary school pupils through workshops with esteemed children's book authors and sports activities promoting reading and exercise alike. In Stein, alongside Will Gmehling, authors Irene Margil and Knut Krüger shared insights into their literary worlds and crafted creative projects with the students.
The project's official commencement climaxed, as it should, with a symbolic kick-off on the playground. Not just the soccer ball, but the ingenuity of countless children, caught flight.
A creative symphony of football and literature was celebrated in Stein, courtesy of prize-winning author Will Gmehling and artist Antje Damm, as they showcased their home-and-garden masterpiece "Kick-off at the Beginning." Selected European leagues, such as the Champions League, seemed to have inspired the book, reinforcing football's connective power transcending age and gender.
Following the launch, Dr. Claudia Maria Pecher, President of the German Academy for Children's and Youth Literature, voiced her hopes for the "Reading Rumble 2025," a lifestyle initiative merging sports and books. Meanwhile, Jürgen Pfau, Vice President of the Bavarian Football Association, stressed the importance of fostering children's reading culture to cultivate both physical and mental wellbeing.
Amidst the excitement, authors like Irene Margil and Knut Krüger shared their wisdom with students, enriching their knowledge of the home-and-garden universe while igniting a passion for both reading and sports. As the "Reading Rumble" took its first steps, the energy on the playground mirrored that of an electrifying Champions League final – with a literate twist.
