Untold Stories

Many children grow up with multiple languages, cultural references, and diverse family histories. Yet these perspectives are still not represented in German-language children’s literature. This is precisely where Untold Stories comes in: the festival views multilingualism as a creative and social resource.

Literature, oral storytelling, visual arts, music, food, and collaborative creative work open up spaces that explore belonging, identity, memory, and community. The focus is on children and families with migration experiences—not only as an audience, but as bearers of knowledge and culture, as storytellers, and as active co-creators.

Untold Stories creates accessible, non-discriminatory, and care-oriented spaces where children and families can participate in their own way. The festival emphasizes multilingual and diverse forms of artistic expression, child- and family-friendly formats, and accessible, neurodivergence-friendly environments. The entire program is free and open to all families; however, special efforts are made to encourage families with a migration background, as well as BIPoC and queer families, to participate. Learning from one another.

PROGRAM

Friday, Sept. 18, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM

Refugio, Lenaustraße 3-4, 12047 Berlin

The festival kicks off at Refugio in Neukölln with a multilingual children’s book fair. Twelve publishers will present books in various languages and on a range of topics. Visitors can browse through the books, discover new stories, get to know publishers and organizations, and strike up conversations with one another in a relaxed atmosphere.

In the afternoon, there will be readings and live illustrations for different age groups. A Turkish-language reading will feature Bir Sonbahar Öyküsü (An Autumn Story) by Ayşe Pınar Köprücü. The program will be complemented by additional visual and narrative approaches to children’s literature. A special highlight for adults is the keynote address “Multilingualism in Kids’ Literature” with AYA Verlag. The keynote and the discussion that follows will explore how multilingualism can be represented in children’s literature and conveyed as a strength. Founded in Hamburg by three mothers, the publishing house highlights languages and perspectives that are often missing from German-language children’s literature. Their books are published in German and in one other language, including Dari, Pashto, Kurmancî, and Turkish. To round out the first day of the festival, the cultural platform AL.Berlin invites you to enjoy music, performances, and a community gathering.

The evening program, featuring a live performance by Marwan and Mazen, combines artistic encounters with conversation and shared celebration.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek (ZLB), Blücherplatz 1, 10961 Berlin

and 2:00 PM–7:30 PM at Refugio

Saturday begins at the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek (ZLB) with an interactive reading in Kiswahili and German: Jane Mbeba will present her new book. Following that, the Al-Farabi Music Academy invites participants to an audio storytelling workshop where sound art is created using everyday objects. Participants will explore how sounds tell stories and how memories can be translated into sound.

Berlin-based artist Eric Winkler invites young participants to a workshop: Together, they’ll transform poetry albums and notebooks into unique, personal pieces using colorful textiles, patterns, and various materials. Inspired by Winkler’s multidisciplinary practice at the intersection of art, fashion, and textiles, participants will create small archives for thoughts, memories, and special moments. Another workshop led by Elisa Bauer invites participants to rethink the concept of a book in a playful and creative way.

The Berlin-based nonprofit organization Baking Hope, founded by Pratyusha Sibal, uses baking as a tool for empowerment, healing, and community. Together with families, participants will explore recipes from the *Untold Stories* children’s cookbook and examine how food can tell stories of memories, care, and belonging.

In the afternoon, the festival returns to the Refugio. In AYA’s family workshop titled “Languages Connect Worlds,” languages are experienced as a connection between people and their worlds.

Afterward, İrem Kurt presents the interactive graphic novel *Shababdz* and speaks about Muslim, intersectional-feminist perspectives.

The day thus combines literature, design, and discussion, viewing stories as spaces for self-empowerment, visibility, and shared reflection.

Sunday, Sept. 20, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Spore Initiative, Hermannstraße 86, 12051 Berlin

Sunday is dedicated to workshops and participatory formats at the Spore Initiative. After setup, the program begins with rap and poetry by Taha. At the same time, the Al-Farabi Music Academy invites participants to an audio storytelling workshop in the foyer, where sound art is created using everyday objects. Participants will explore how sounds tell stories and how memories can be translated into sound. Hagar Ophir will then present “Golden Threads” and discuss the project. In addition, there will be a calligraffiti workshop with Mhanna, combining writing, drawing, and design.

This will be followed in the foyer by a reading and a discussion on “Mama Superstar” with Melissa and Malik from My Migrant Mama. The book shines a spotlight on immigrant mothers and their stories, bringing to light experiences that are often underrepresented in public narratives. At the same time, the second part of the puppet theater workshop will continue. Participants will further develop their characters and ideas before a puppet show brings the results of the workshop to the stage.

The program continues in the foyer with “Jina” by Blue Boat Books, featuring a reading followed by a workshop. The story will be explored together and creatively developed further. The event concludes with a performance by Berfin Aktay inspired by “Jina.” She translates the story into movement and expression, bringing the festival to a close with an artistic interpretation of the content previously read and explored together.

The diverse and free supporting program—featuring a children’s book fair, multilingual readings, discussions, workshops, music, and culinary storytelling—will be published shortly. Information on accessibility will also follow soon.

About lilipad

Since 2017, the nonprofit organization lilipad has been establishing multilingual library spaces and reading programs for children in difficult life situations, including in refugee shelters. There are currently 21 active libraries in Germany, Morocco, France, Italy, and Uganda. The organization was founded by Sara Arsalane, who was born in Morocco.

“Reading has many positive effects, but our work focuses on more than just promoting reading. Above all, we are concerned with well-being and self-confidence.”

– Sara Arsalane, founder of lilipad