The Star Lake

Will Gmehling & Jens Rassmus

When the four friends looked at the lake from the 11th floor of their tower block, they could see that it had jagged edges like a star. The ‘Star Lake’ made them proud of their neighbourhood, which was otherwise rather bleak.

In January, the lake froze over for the very first time. The ice was so firm that the children could romp around on it. It was great and unusual. But it became strange when spring came: the lake remained frozen.
And even in the heat of summer, the ice was so thick that pizza stalls were built on it and children lay on the ice to cool off. Reporters were everywhere, and specialists from around the world were arriving in search of an explanation…

The events against which Will Gmehling tells a captivatingly quiet story of friendship between four neighbourhood children are spectacular. They tell of their lives in simple circumstances, of happiness, trust and a connection with nature. And of first love, the real sensation on the shores of the Star Lake.

Peter Hammer Verlag

Children’s Fiction | Middle Grade

Original title: Der Sternsee
Age 9+
56 pp | € 14
hc | 145 x 222 mm
Publication: February 2025

Author: Will Gmehling
Illustrator: Jens Rassmus

All rights available

Awards

Press Reviews

“A fabulous, poetic novella.” – Die Zeit

“A lake that freezes over in January and remains frozen over in spring and summer. Children who live in a high-rise housing estate and enjoy their friendship. Will Gmehling has created an unusual children’s story that tells of happiness and trust. Rassmus’ fine illustrations capture the moods, give the book a special magic and leave the reader with something to think about. A book that you should read and look at several times!” – German Academy for Children’s Literature

“A poetic children’s novel with a clear tone and full of fascinating nature images. An book that is good in every aspect doesn’t need many pages.” – The Jury of the LUCHS Award

“A very, very beautiful story, right in the middle of everyday life, about small and big miracles.” – Susanne Rikl / kommbuch.com

“Will Gmehling was awarded the German Children’s Literature Award in 2020 for his children’s book The Lido (Freibad) – for his unagitated but touching narrative style. In The Star Lake (Der Sternsee), too, the children’s authentic relationship carries the story. The two-color illustrations give the book a unique appearance.” – Natascha Hermes / Schwericke bookshop, Berlin Lichterfelde

“Will Gmehling tells the story of friendship lovingly, calmly, with clever observations and pointed dialog. Illustrated by Jens Rassmus, whose sketchy drawings perfectly capture the events and bring them to life.” –Katharina Portugal, Buchkultur

“Once again, the author depicts children’s everyday lives so realistically and accurately that young readers can easily recognize themselves.” – Britta Selle, MDR Kultur

“A literary gem that remains exciting despite its careful narrative style.” – Christine Paxmann, Eselsohr

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