Alive

Author Ilse Krabben lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She also spends time in France, in the southern countryside where she grew up. Although she started as a theater director and performer, Ilse was drawn to writing too. At first, she wrote columns and later began creating poetry and theater pieces. Additionally, Ilse teaches theater to children. She wants to help children reflect upon what they need, dream about, and feel in this world. Giving children a sense of dignity and safety is Ilse’s greatest aspiration.  Illustrator Hedie Meischke enjoyed living a quiet life on a farm in the Eastern Netherlands with her husband and sweet dog. She drew every single day, even after being diagnosed with ALS. Sadly, in 2023, Hedie passed away from the effects of this debilitating illness. Yet her colorful drawings live on, showing people the enormous beauty of life.

Why do I have a name? And why does everything else have one too?10
What’s the universe? And how did it get inside me?12
What should I do when I feel angry or sad?14
Why are people unkind sometimes?16
Am I beautiful enough?18
What should I do when I feel bored?20
Do my parents really love me?22
Can my heart smile?24
Sometimes I’ve had enough of everything I have to do!
What should I do when I feel fed up?26
Do I need to know what I want to be when I grow up?30
Do I have to be number one?32
I’m often afraid. What should I do?34
It scares me when people argue or shout. What should I do?36
Help! What should I do when I don’t understand everything
or have a hundred and one questions?38
Why do we only communicate with our mouths and hands?40
My grandpa died. Where is he now?42
How can I feel safe when I’m hurt?44
Do I have to do something to be good enough?46
Letter from every child to every parent50