Bringing Imagination to Life, One Feather at a Time
From its modest beginnings in 1949, when postwar publishers gathered in Frankfurt to rebuild and share new ideas, the Frankfurter Buchmesse has grown into the world’s most important international book fair. Over the decades, it has transformed from a regional gathering of German publishers into a global platform where stories are launched, partnerships are forged, and the future of publishing is shaped. That journey of steady growth, vision, and innovation is what makes the fair so influential today.
Now celebrating its 77th year, the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 is set to host more than 7,500 exhibitors from across the globe. It offers far more than book displays: visitors can explore groundbreaking titles, attend insightful discussions with leading authors and thinkers, witness the latest in publishing technology, and discover how books continue to evolve across media and cultures. It’s not just a fair — it’s a creative crossroads where tradition meets tomorrow.
The Imagination Peoples the Air
Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025
Adding to the excitement, the Philippines takes center stage as the Guest of Honour for 2025, presenting the theme “The Imagination Peoples the Air” — a powerful nod to the nation’s storytelling spirit inspired by José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. With over a hundred Filipino authors, artists, and events bringing the country’s rich literary heritage and contemporary voices to Frankfurt, this year’s fair celebrates not only books but also the vibrant diversity of global storytelling.
Amid this celebration of creativity and imagination, Kravitz & Sons proudly showcases Robbie, the Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights (Animated Part 1) by Cheryl E. Wimbush, Ph.D. — a heartwarming tale that teaches courage, friendship, and self-discovery in a way that children and parents alike will cherish.
From Page to Animation — The Vision Behind Robbie’s World
Cheryl E. Wimbush, Ph.D., author and creator of Robbie, the Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights, has always believed in the power of imagination as a teaching tool. Her background in education, human development, and storytelling gives her a rare ability to blend emotional depth with joyful simplicity.
The animated adaptation expands Robbie’s world with vivid visuals and expressive characters that bring his journey to life. Through animation, Wimbush’s message becomes even more accessible to young audiences — transforming a touching picture book into an immersive experience that teaches empathy and bravery through color, sound, and motion.
The Little Bird That Learned to Soar — On Screen
In Robbie, the Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights (Animated Part 1), viewers see Robbie’s story unfold in a whole new way. Beautifully animated scenes capture his hesitation at the edge of the nest, the gentle encouragement of his parents, and the magical friendship that finally helps him take his first flight.
With charming narration, cheerful music, and expressive visuals, the film gives children a sense of wonder while staying true to the heart of the original story. It’s not just entertainment — it’s an emotional experience that reminds children that bravery isn’t about being fearless; it’s about taking that first step into the unknown.
Why It Belongs on the Global Stage
As the world of storytelling evolves, Robbie, the Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights (Animated Part 1) proves that powerful messages can soar beyond the page. Its inclusion in the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 marks not only a milestone for Cheryl E. Wimbush but also a step forward for inclusive and educational storytelling.
This animated adaptation invites young viewers to dream bigger, parents to listen deeper, and creators to imagine bolder. It’s a celebration of courage — in story, in art, and in life. And just like Robbie, it reminds us all that sometimes, the hardest leap is the one that helps us truly fly.
