Sometimes, all it takes is a picture book to spark curiosity, encourage conversation, and inspire children to see the world in new ways.
We are delighted to introduce Interactive Picture Book Cinema as a new project supported by the Diyi for Kids Foundation. During a personal meeting with Mathias Neumann from the Bürgerstiftung Berlin, I had the opportunity to experience the passion, expertise, and dedication behind this unique educational initiative.
What do two sisters, a brave tigress, and a little witch have in common? They are all heroes from Mathias’ favourite picture books, showing how stories can inspire children to imagine, reflect, and discover new perspectives.
But Interactive Picture Book Cinema is about much more than simply reading a story aloud. Children are encouraged to participate actively. They learn to distinguish between what they observe and how they interpret it, to express their own thoughts, to reflect critically on what they see, and to recognise and communicate their emotions.
The secret behind the programme is simple yet powerful: children are trusted with the ability to think for themselves. When they are given this confidence, they flourish. Through imagination, thoughtful questions, and open conversations, every picture book becomes the starting point for meaningful learning experiences.
To ensure these sessions are engaging and inspiring, all volunteers complete around ten hours of training, followed by classroom observations. They learn how to bring stories to life for kindergarten and primary school children, while new picture books are continuously explored and tested to keep the programme fresh and exciting.
We are proud to support this inspiring initiative together with the Bürgerstiftung Berlin. Because every child’s educational journey begins with curiosity—and sometimes, a single picture book can open the door to a world of imagination, empathy, and self-confidence.
