Pixi - 70 years of little books

Who doesn't know them - the little square books? Pixis are rewards, bedtime reading, and can be found in advent calendars or birthday bags. But above all, a Pixi book is the first book that many children choose for themselves. Entire generations have grown up with them.

Finally here too: just in time for Christmas, the Literaturhaus München (House of Literature Munich) is opening the cult and nostalgic family exhibition that has already broken all visitor records at the Altonaer Museum. With a large accompanying programme for the little ones, including workshops, plays and a reading marathon. It had already captured the hearts of first-time readers in Hamburg.

With over 3,000 different titles and 14 million books sold each year, "Pixi" is the most comprehensive picture book series of all time. The first Pixi book was published in Germany in 1954 with the title "Miezekatzen" - and the series will be 70 years old in 2024.

The anniversary exhibition invites visitors to experience the diversity of the little square book through pictures, stories and films. Designed by Hamburg illustrator Regina Kehn, it sends young and old on a journey through time, where they will encounter Pixi, Conni, Petzi and many, many cats, Easter bunnies, princesses, dinosaurs, knights and adventurous children.

Pixi books epitomise the art of combining interesting stories and illustrations in a small format: Well-known characters such as Petzi or Conni are just as much a part of it as the adventures of fairies and knights, footballers and astronauts, diggers and cats. Many renowned children's book authors and illustrators have already shown their talent with Pixi. In 1982, Pixi himself took shape as a character. The little elf with the pointed cap and red boots became part of the design and has played the leading role in his own stories since 1993.

Pixi has not changed its format in 70 years, but the content and illustrations reflect social developments over this time. The aim of publishing house founder Per Hjald Carlsen is as relevant today as it was 70 years ago: Every child should have access to and enjoy books.

Last edited on 02.05.2025