The School of Magical Animals

Children's theatre for ages six and up, based on the book series by Margit Auer and the films of the same name
Stage adaptation: Tristan Berger
Director: Nick Westbrock
Set design: Lydia Peters
Music: Deniz Yaman
Junges Theater Bonn

Imagine a school where every child receives a magical animal. A fox, a tortoise, a penguin. They can talk - but only when no one is listening. Welcome to Wintersteinschule.

The story
At Wintersteinschule, every child has a magical animal. Ida's is Rabbat, a clever fox. It's all strictly secret. Then Ida's best friend Miriam comes to visit. The two of them used to tell each other everything. Now there's Rabbat - and the oath. Meanwhile, Miss Cornfield is rehearsing Robin Hood with the class. Both Helene and Anna-Lena want the lead role. And someone is digging holes at night. Everywhere.
If things carry on like this, the school hall will have to be closed - and so will the premiere. Two problems. An oath that's starting to crack. And a schoolyard that looks like Swiss cheese.

The world of magical animals
Margit Auer has been writing the series since 2013: 16 volumes, 4 cinema films, millions of copies sold. The concept immediately sparks the question in every child that the story also answers: which animal would I get? The underlying message is gentle: every child is right exactly as they are. The animal fits the child, not the other way around.

Why real children take the stage
Junges Theater Bonn (founded 1969) casts child roles with real children - no adults pretending, no puppets. Kids in the audience see peers on stage, and that changes how the story lands.

Who this afternoon is for
- Fans will finally meet Ida, Rabbat, Miss Cornfield and the class in person.
- Newcomers don't need to know the series - the show explains itself.
- Grandparents looking for a theatre afternoon with a grandchild where both sides laugh will feel right at home.