At a time when many children's books seem fast-paced and are often designed for short-lived effects, it is worth taking a look at works that have been written with real attention to detail. Books that take the time to build a world that not only entertains young readers, but also conveys courage, imagination and inner strength.
This is exactly the kind of book Jana Kollmann writes - an author whose roots, life path and artistic influence are recognizable in every line.
An author who never forgot her childhood
Jana Kollmann was born in Bremen in 1977 and spent her childhood in Oldenburg. It was a childhood in which drawing, painting and writing were not just hobbies, but small windows into other worlds. After graduating from high school, her path led her into dental technology - a field that requires precision, patience and a keen eye. Surprisingly, you can also sense these qualities in her books.
She lived in Ulm for five years before returning home, where she now lives with her husband and daughter. And it was precisely this daughter who lit the final spark - the one who brought her childhood dream back to the surface: to write her own book one day. Today, this has resulted in two extensive, lovingly designed children's books, both set in the mysterious world of Ajan.
Volume 1: The Magic Wall - The Shadows of Ajan
A poetic fantasy adventure for children aged 8 and over
When most children close their eyes at night, the day ends. For Suna, it begins. Behind the wall, beyond the familiar bedroom, lies Ajan - an ancient land full of secrets. A place where darkness need not be an enemy, but a habitat of its own. A land where cuddly toys are alive and the boundary between dream and reality is not only blurred, but opens up.
A world that makes you brave
Suna actually just wanted to sleep. But a rustling in the night draws her to a place that no child should knowingly enter:
to the land behind the wall, where everything is possible.
Here she meets her own cuddly toys - no longer cloth and thread, but loyal companions with a mind of their own. She learns about the power of the magical wall that separates dreams from nightmares. And she learns that there is a battle raging inside Ajan for which it is not strength that counts, but courage, emotion and the ability to believe in what no one can see.
Many children are afraid of the dark. This book helps them to understand it - and to overcome it.
Original core of the first volume
The blurb puts it in a nutshell: fear is a bad companion in Ajan. And Suna, who suddenly finds herself at the giant wall, not only has to face the shadows, but also herself. It's a story about that,
- how to face your fears,
- how to take responsibility,
- and how to focus on the good in dark times.
A book for children who love adventure - and for parents who want to give their children something valuable.
Volume 2: The Magic Wall - The Secret of the Forest Bu
The second volume follows on seamlessly from the first - but it is more mature, more profound and more emotional. Ajan has calmed down and Suna is looking forward to celebrating her 12th birthday with her friends. But this calm doesn't last long.
A friend in danger - and the world with him
Lenn doesn't show up for the party. And suddenly Larry, Lenn's Ajan protector, finds himself on the brink of life. What initially seems like a personal drama turns out to be a harbinger of greater difficulties.
Suna realizes that if Larry dies, Lenn could disappear forever. Because in Ajan, the threads of life are more closely intertwined than in the real world.
Together with her friends, Suna sets off on a journey to a healer - but meanwhile, another disaster is growing in the background. The safe side of the wall begins to show cracks.
A second volume with more depth
While the first volume is strongly focused on the discovery of the world, the second volume focuses on:
- Friendship
- Responsibility
- Loss
- Healing
and the question of how far you would go to save someone you care about.
It is a story that takes children seriously without overwhelming them. Exactly the kind of literature that adults like to pass on because it conveys values that go beyond pure reading pleasure.
Why these books stand out
In a world full of quickly consumable children's literature, Kollmann's books are remarkably down-to-earth. They combine fantasy and heart, without artificial excitement. They are books that take their time. Books that accompany children instead of running them over. Books that convey deeper messages without being preachy.
And - at a maximum of around 17.99 euros - they are surprisingly affordable for their size and design.
Who are the books suitable for?
- For children aged 8 and over
- For young readers who love adventure
- For sensitive children who want to better understand anxiety issues
- For parents who value imagination and inner strength
- For elementary school and school libraries
- For all those who appreciate stories with soul
These books invite you to read them together - in the evening, chapter by chapter. This is exactly how memories are created that last.
An author to keep an eye on
Jana Kollmann has created a world that doesn't have to be loud to make an impression. Her narrative style carries the quiet power of those authors who are deeply rooted in their own childhood - which is precisely why they understand children so well.
With Die Magische Mauer - Die Schatten von Ajan and Die Magische Mauer - Das Geheimnis des Waldbu, she has created two works that not only make for excellent reading, but also leave a lasting impression.
An asset to any nursery - and a fine example of the value of staying true to an old dream.
To the author page of Jana Kollmann
Frequently asked questions about the books
- What ages are Jana Kollmann's books best suited to?
The two volumes about „The Magic Wall“ are aimed primarily at children between the ages of 8 and 12. The language is easy to understand, but not banal, and the content offers enough depth to keep older children and even adults curious. Children who have already gained some reading experience and enjoy immersing themselves in fantastic worlds will particularly benefit from the combination of suspense, poetic imagery and emotional themes. - What exactly is the world of Ajan all about?
Ajan is a mysterious intermediate world that is entered during sleep. It lies „behind the wall“, a kind of symbolic border between dream and reality. In this world, cuddly toys are alive, dark forces are active and emotions have their own form. Ajan serves as a stage for courage, self-discovery and overcoming fears - but always in a way that takes children seriously without overwhelming them. - What characteristics does the main character Suna have?
Suna is a girl who is initially rather insecure and impressed by the darkness. In the course of her experiences in Ajan, she grows beyond herself. She develops courage, a sense of responsibility and the ability to stand up for others. Her reactions seem realistic and understandable, which many young readers like about her: Suna is not a perfect heroine, but a child who has to learn to make decisions. - What are the central themes of the books?
The series addresses several major topics:
- Courage and overcoming fear
- Friendship and cohesion
- Taking responsibility
- Loss and healing
- The power of faith in the good
All topics are told in a child-friendly way, without artificial dramatization. The books are therefore well suited to talking to children about feelings and inner conflicts. - Are the books more exciting or more poetic?
Both. Jana Kollmann combines suspense with a calm narrative style. There are dangerous moments, mysterious developments and clear conflicts, but everything remains at a level that does not overwhelm children. At the same time, the author works with vivid, sometimes poetic descriptions that lend the world of Ajan a special atmosphere. - How does volume 2 differ from the first volume?
The second volume is a little more mature emotionally and narratively. While volume 1 focuses on discovering the world of Ajan and overcoming fear, volume 2 deals more with themes such as loss, loyalty and the question of how far one would go for a friend. Overall, the story feels more „grown-up“ without losing its childlike charm. - Can the books also be used for reading together with parents?
Yes, even very good. The clear structure, the lively characters and the well-balanced suspense are perfect for reading together in the evening. Many parents report that the books create pleasant conversation starters - for example about courage, feelings, darkness or responsibility. Both volumes offer enough substance to be discussed together as a family. - Why do cuddly toys play such an important role?
Cuddly toys are emotional anchors for many children: familiar, reassuring and symbolically important. In Jana Kollmann's world, they are given a voice, a character and a meaning that goes far beyond the stuffed animal. They are companions, mentors, sometimes even protective figures. This is exactly what makes the books accessible and comforting for younger readers - without slipping into kitsch. - What values do the stories convey?
The books convey values that are often neglected in a modern world:
- Steadfastness
- Loyalty
- inner strength
- Self-confidence
- Listening and taking your own feelings seriously
They do this in an unobtrusive way. The moral messages are not placed in the foreground, but are made visible through Suna's actions. - Why are the books particularly worthwhile for more sensitive children?
Because they treat the subject of darkness, uncertainty and inner tension with great care. The stories do not expose fears, but make them understandable. Sensitive children experience in Ajan that fear is not the end, but the beginning of personal growth. It is precisely this kind of storytelling that helps children to better understand their own emotions.
