(1899–1974) German writer and one of the most famous authors of children’s and young adult literature in the world. His books achieved great success because they had a fresh new tone, far removed from preaching and moralizing, and portrayed children as intelligent, independent, self-reliant, cooperative, and free from fear. Kästner wrote for children and young adults as if he were writing for adults, respecting their minds without giving up his playful, instructive tone. Young and old alike were drawn to his novels, especially "Emil and the Detectives," which was adapted several times in different countries into films and stage works and translated into nearly sixty languages.