RTL Today - Recommendations & trends: Ernster's picks for International Children's Book Day

On 2 April, Luxembourg's booksellers share under-the-radar gems, old favourites, new trends and English classics for International Children's Book Day.

Ernster Booksellers is a household name in Luxembourg — providing books in any language, for all age groups, and on any topic imaginable. They have outposts at the Grand Duchy's major malls, you can find them nestled next to Place Guillaume II (aka the Knuedler), and they boast an English-language store just steps from the Grand Ducal Palace.

RTL Today spoke with Tanja Steffen, Ernster's English book specialist, about her personal favourites, recommendations for young readers, and trends she's seen in the sector.

Do you personally have an all-time favourite book from your childhood? Any language -or any age group — no restrictions, just your favourite?

"Pippi Langstrumpf" by Astrid Lindgren.

Do you have a favourite book that you like to give as a gift for baby showers?

Anything from the Eric Carle Hungry Caterpillar Collection.

Do you have any recommendations for books in English that are just absolute classics? Do you have suggestion for any of the following age groups: infancy, toddlerhood, pre-k, young readers, and young adults?

Basically everything by Katherine Rundell, especially "The Rooftoppers". [It] came out in 2013 and is reminiscent of Peter Pan without magic. Her newest publication "Impossible Creature" also won the Waterstone's book of the year. Another writer who delivers without fail would be Onjali Q Raúf.

Have you read anything 'under the radar' that you have enjoyed and would like to see get more traction, from the children's section?

The Nevermoor Series by Jessica Townsend: a lonely little girl fighting for her place in the world beside new-made friends and found family with a big dash of magic. [The fourth book] is highly awaited, hopefully by the end of this year.

Ernster Ville Bookstore at 27 Rue de Fossé / © ernster.com

What themes have you noticed start to gain popularity in English?

We love to see that there are more environmental books for children. Hannah Gold's The Last Bear Series or the current Waterstone's Children Book Prize Winner "Greenwild" by Pari Thomson.

Do you have any recommendations for top sellers or simply just valuable or lovely children's books for any of the following languages: French, German, or Luxembourgish?

An insider tip is "Mam Roki ënnerwee an der Uewerstad" by Michele Kinnen. Text AND Audio in the four languages and quizzes based on Luxembourg included as well. Any kid interested in getting to know Luxembourg City a bit better can spend hours with this title.

You can follow Ernster Booksellers on Facebook and Instagram, visit and purchase books via their website, or check them out in person at their many Luxembourg-based locations.