"BOKELTJE" reading inspires young and old alike

On Saturday, April 2, 2022, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the city, the Bocholt children's book "Bokeltje is everywhere" was presented live by the creators of the character. Around 25 visitors had made themselves comfortable in the reading corner of the children's and young people's library to listen to Münster author Christiane Leesker and illustrator Kristina Fransbach.

It's been about a year since Jule Wanders, Head of the Culture and Education Department of the City of Bocholt, met with the two creators of "Bokeltje" to put the idea of a Bocholt children's book into action. "As part of the city's anniversary, we also wanted to offer something that children could use to learn about Bocholt's history. The idea of a children's book came to us quite quickly, but of course we needed support in implementing it," says Jule Wanders. The municipal library provided support with its expertise and established contact with author Christiane Leesker and illustrator Kristina Fransbach.

Extensive research paid off

In the book, the jolly beech sprite experiences various adventures in the Bocholt of past centuries. Readers young and old travel through time with Bokeltje and gain exciting factual knowledge about important Bocholt landmarks and events such as the town seal or the fair. "What I actually enjoyed most was the research, which was something completely different than usual," reports Kristina Fransbach. For the factual information in the book, she and Christiane Leesker researched in the city archives and visited Bocholt museums to be able to create a picture of the city's history that was as close to reality as possible.

"I really enjoyed working with the Department of Culture and Education and Bocholt City Marketing, with whom we developed the character and her name," Leesker says. Originally, Bokeltje was to be a ghost, the author reveals further. "But we also wanted a character who could intervene in the story - a goblin was better suited for that."

Bocholt children's book for history lessons

For all those who have not yet been able to secure a copy of the children's book, there is good news: "In April, there will be a second edition of 1000 copies, to coincide with Easter," Jule Wanders reveals happily. In addition, 425 books will be made available to Bocholt's elementary schools so that they can use the book for history lessons.

The book is available for 12.90 euros at the tourist information office as well as the municipal library and the "Seitenblick" and "Mayersche" bookstores.