The Little Wood Thieves and the Mystery of the Juggernaut

Siblings Karl and Rosa lead a simple life on the island of Feudalia. They help their parents on the farm and play games in the forest while collecting firewood to keep their home warm. One morning though, when they arrive in the forest, there is a big sign that reads: “No wood collecting. Wood thieves will be prosecuted!” And this new ban is only the beginning. It is quickly followed by a series of radical changes that turn their lives upside down.

Soon enough, the family has been forced off their land. Along with most of the other inhabitants of the island, their parents now have to move to the city to work in the factories that have been built by the rich rulers of the nearby island of Capitalia. While their mum and dad have to slave away more than ever before, they hardly have enough money to pay the rent and put food on the table. The people of Feudalia had been promised that there would be plenty of money for everyone, but the reality is very different. But do things have to be this way?

Why do the workers get none of the wealth they are producing? Why is the money so unfairly distributed? On their mission for answers, Karl and Rosa are confronted by a mystery – until they’re struck by a bright idea. A rebellious story about banding together to change the status quo.

»Anti-capitalist parents, socialist grandmas and grandpas, gift your children and grandchildren this book! You won’t find a better introduction to Marxist thought and critiques of capitalism for primary school kids.« Guido Speckmann, neues Deutschland

»With The Little Wood Thieves, Ole Nymoen and Wolfgang M. Schmitt give their diminutive readers an introduction into the secrets of capitalism … The story is accompanied by Nick-Martin Sternitzke’s enchanting illustrations.« Ulrike Baureithel, der Freitag

»The illustrations by Nick-Martin Sternitzke, with their nuanced shades of grey, are wonderfully atmospheric and cap off a successful adventure story.« Thore Rausch, Süddeutsche Zeitung

»The fact that books like this exist is a good thing.« Jakob Thaller, derStandard

»A work that forms part of a proud tradition of children’s books.« Titus Blome, ZEIT ONLINE

»A story about how hard it is to make the world a fairer place. […] Even today, many people cannot live a dignified life from their wages, and that goes for Germany as well. May there be many more courageous Rosas and Karls.« Silvia Bielert, Frankfurter Rundschau

»Don’t worry, this is no boring history textbook. The authors want to explain in an entertaining way why some people have more money than others. And they pull it off brilliantly.« Dein Spiegel

»Explaining capitalism to kids: … an enthralling story that Karl Marx would have liked.« Hardy Funk, BR kulturWelt