The regional meeting, organised by Penguin Random House’s Buchwert team, brought together roughly 20 booksellers to explore ways independent retailers can inspire young readers and run financially viable events.
Discussion highlighted that well‑known characters and brands serve as an entry point for children, linking their everyday world to books. Annette Maas, programme manager for cbj children’s books, stressed that successful character titles also require quality language, strong stories and age‑appropriate content.
Christina Wätjen, head of children’s and youth sales at Penguin Random House, illustrated the impact of book fairs, recalling how “the floor was covered with children completely absorbed in their books and characters” at their stand.
Practical advice was shared on event preparation, including checklists for permits, procedures and GEMA fees. Participants examined how to streamline planning, and Penguin Random House presented a new portal that lets booksellers search for authors active in their region, shortening planning cycles and targeting budgets.
Thomas Brausch, owner of die.buchhändler in Schweich, said the session provided concrete approaches and useful tips, while Buchwert regional manager Johanna Schnorr praised the intensive dialogue between publisher and bookseller as a source of strong ideas.
The Munich meeting follows a successful kickoff in Paderborn and precedes the next regional gathering at mare Verlag in Hamburg, themed “Gemeinsam mehr bewegen”.