“I never learned how to swim – I just always was able to.”

When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Be a Seal

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Nikolaus Heidelbach

When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Be a Seal

2nd ed. published 2012. 32 pages From the age of 4 years up Rights sold: China, France, Korea

When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Be a Seal

Mother, father, child – but who is the seal? A mysterious picture book full of exciting pictures by “Master Heidelbach”. The story of a magical transformation has never been told with such phenomenal illustrations, so gently and yet so real.

Although Mama never goes in the water, she knows all the creatures that can be found under the surface – nine eyes, royal dugongs, squid princes, sea trolls and herring kings. And seals who go on land, peel off their fur and become humans. They protect their fur like a treasure so that they can return to the sea when they have had enough of being human. When the boy suddenly discovers a seal fur under the sofa, he thinks his Papa is a seal. But one morning he wakes up to find that Mama has disappeared...

Voices from the press on Queen Gisela
"This is Heidelbach’s most complex story so far, he has become a sophisticated dramaturg – directing the details and letting the most monstrous things happen in our heads."
DIE ZEIT

"Heidelbach’s illustrations put fantastic stories into scenes. Ingeniously artistic picture book experiences that will fascinate children and adults alike."
Kindergarten heute

• a superb masterpiece
• nationally and internationally awarded artist
• luxurious edition for picture book lovers