Max Kruse

Max Kruse (1921–2015) was a German writer best known for his children’s and young adult books. Born in Bad Kösen, he studied philosophy and economics in Jena and initially worked as an advertising copywriter before becoming a freelance author. His best-known works include the Urmel books, particularly “Urmel aus dem Eis,” as well as the “Löwe” series and “Don Blech.” Several of his books were adapted by the Augsburger Puppenkiste and for television, and translated into numerous languages. Kruse was a member of P.E.N. and received, among other honors, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Bavarian Order of Merit, and the Grand Prize of the German Academy for Children’s and Young Adult Literature.