What happens when your best friend is also your biggest rival?
In Milena Baisch’s charming early chapter book, “Anton and Piranha,” we meet Anton; a boy who feels perfectly, if unremarkably, average. His world is turned upside down by the arrival of Piranha, a new classmate who seems to excel at everything effortlessly. The story follows the escalating rivalry and eventual friendship between the two boys during a hilariously chaotic summer holiday. Baisch captures the turbulent emotions of childhood competition with warmth and humor, creating a narrative that is both relatable and genuinely funny as Anton tries everything he can to finally one-up the infuriatingly talented Piranha.
The story is set in a contemporary German town, reflecting a typical European summer vacation landscape of swimming pools, holiday apartments, and campsite adventures. This book is particularly powerful for young readers who may see themselves in Anton’s struggle for recognition. It provides a mirror for those who have ever felt overshadowed by a peer, discovering that friendship can be found in the most unexpected of rivalries.
Milena Baisch, a celebrated German author, is known for her witty and insightful children’s books, and “Anton taucht ab” earned her the prestigious German Youth Literature Prize. Her authentic portrayal of childhood anxieties stems from a keen observation of the small but significant dramas that loom large in a child’s world. This book is a vital addition to any classroom or library because it opens up essential conversations about empathy, resilience, and the value of being true to oneself. It reminds us that our perceived shortcomings do not define us and that even our fiercest competitors might just be friends we haven’t understood yet.
