If you know a child that likes to raise impossible questions to delay bedtime, then this could be just the read for them!

This picture book for young readers ages 5-8 opens with Ludwig talking to a rhinoceros in his room. The problem is that his dad can’t see it and doesn’t believe it’s there. There ensues a glorious volley back and forth between father and son as Ludwig directs his dad to look in the dresser, under the bed, and everywhere else. Ludwig’s father tries to further rationalize the situation, and I’m sure many parents and caregivers would take a similar approach. But then, they might not have a little Ludwig insistent on proof that the rhinoceros is not there.

It is clever, thought-provoking stuff, which, as we discover in the back matter, is based on a real argument between Ludwig Wittgenstein, who went on to become a world-famous philosopher, and his professor Bertrand Russell . Additional notes provide inquisitive minds with information on what a philosopher is and invite them to reflect on what they have read.

If this seems heavy—and too philosophical—for you or the child(ren) in your life, do not fear! Ludwig and the Rhinoceros is a witty and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny book. The artwork by renowned artist/illustrator duo Golden Cosmos is a riot of color, texture and movement that adds an extra dimension to the story. Every time I look at the illustrations, I find something unique to admire. What’s more, like Ludwig, the reader will see a very large blue rhinoceros on every page. In plain sight. It’s hilarious!

Ludwig and the Rhinoceros is a great read for young philosophers and indeed anyone who enjoys a cheeky game of hide-and-seek at bedtime.

Ludwig and the Rhinoceros
Written by Noemi Schneider
Illustrated by Golden Cosmos
Translated from German by Marshall Yarbrough
NorthSouth Books, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-7358-4527-5

Reviews: New York Times, Kirkus, Youth Services Book Review

Awards: dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picturebooks 2023, Society of Illustrators Original Art 2023

You can buy a copy of Ludwig and the Rhinoceros here or find it in a library.*

*Book purchases made via our affiliate link may earn GLLI a small commission at no cost to you.

With thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Laura Taylor is the founder of world children’s literature blog Planet Picture Book. She is a small business copywriter, NAATI-certified translator of French into English and member of AUSIT. When she is not writing, she is reading and spending time with her two young children. She occasionally tweets @plapibo and posts at www.planetpicturebook.com