Ludwig and the Rhinoceros - by Noemi Schneider (Hardcover)

About the Book

"First published in Switzerland under the title Ludwig und das Nashorn"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

"Hugely entertaining." -Mac Barnett for The New York Times

Does something exist even if you can't see it? A humorous bedtime story for budding philosophers.

"There's a rhinoceros in my room!" Ludwig claims. His father doesn't think so. He looks for the huge pachyderm in every corner, but he just can't find it. There CANNOT be a rhinoceros in Ludwig's room. It's way too small for a rhinoceros. But Ludwig shows his father that something can be there, even if you can't see it.

Young children will love pointing out the rhinoceros in each spread. Older children will enjoy thinking about how the moon is still there even when we can't see it. Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein discussed the power and the limitations of language with his professor Bertrand Russell: how even if you don't see something, it can still be there. These philosophical discussions are the basis for Noemi Schneider's hilarious and thoughtful story. The Berlin duo GOLDEN COSMOS, who work with their characteristic screen printing style for international magazines, are now illustrating a picture book for the first time.

Review Quotes

"The story succeeds as both a philosophical dialogue and a classic tale of bedtime delaying tactics. . . Marshall Yarbrough's charming translation from the German shines, especially in the -- plot twist! -- excellent backmatter, which discusses the original rhinoceros debate and explains what philosophers do."--Mac Barnett "The New York Times"

"Ludwig's childlike faith in his rhinoceros will ring true for young ­believers and ­imaginers everywhere. Three-color ­illustrations in a palette recalling that of Goodnight Moon create a vibrant nighttime landscape."-- "School Library Journal"

"Giving little ones--Ludwig and readers--the power of owning the book's perspective is an interesting flip of traditional adult-child dynamics. Here, the child holds the knowledge that the adult struggles to understand. "-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"The day-glow illustrations by Golden Cosmos fit the surreal storyline perfectly, and include plenty of humorous moments that will keep kids engaged and giggling, along with the fact that kids will be cheering for the victorious Ludwig. The front and back end papers, both different and engaging, add another layer of personality to an already sweet, but elusive rhino."--Jilanne Hoffman "author, "A River of Dust""

"the book opens up a whole new world to inquisitive minds, the book opens up a whole new world to inquisitive minds"-- "Youth Services Book Review"

"Blues and greens contrast with neon yellow and fiery orange in this philosophical bedtime story that tackles the rhinoceros in the room."-- "Foreword Reviews"

About the Author

Noemi Schneider was born in Munich, Germany. She studied journalism and directing at the University for Television and Film in Munich. She writes for adults and children and works as a freelance cultural journalist for film, radio, and print. Her short stories and essays have received multiple awards. In 2017, she was nominated for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize. She likes rhinoceroses and philosophical games.

GOLDEN COSMOS are Doris Freigofas and Daniel Dolz. The freelance artist and illustrator duo lives in Berlin. GOLDEN COSMOS regularly illustrate for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Washington Post, Die Zeit and other media worldwide. Their picture book debut Ludwig and the Rhinoceros has received multiple awards, including being named one of the Most Beautiful German Books of 2023.

Marshall Yarbrough is a writer, translator, and musician. He has translated a number of books for NorthSouth. He lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.