Stories from the Ore Mountains – for children and adults
The Book Series
Carl & Strups is more than a series of books. It is a journey into a world that once truly existed – filled with forests, stories, quiet strength, and a deep sense of origin.
Carl & Strups leads into the Ore Mountains – a landscape of forests, mist, old paths, and living traditions. This is where the story of young Carl Stülpner and his loyal companion Strups begins.
These books are not simply about adventure. They tell of growth: of courage that is not loud, of strength that does not fight but understands, and of a respectful view of animals, people, and nature.
Each story is rooted in real historical events. From the life of Carl Stülpner, narratives emerge that are reimagined for children – calm, vivid, accessible, and full of atmosphere.
This creates a world in which children can marvel, feel, and discover – and where adults find a new, warm connection to the history of the Ore Mountains.
What This Series Stands For
Carl & Strups brings together childhood, history, and regional identity into a world that resonates, endures, and stays with you.
Values for Children
The stories speak of courage, friendship, responsibility, awareness, and inner strength. Not through instruction, but through images, situations, and emotions that children instinctively understand.
A Tribute to the Ore Mountains
This series is deeply rooted in the Ore Mountains – in its landscape, traditions, history, and unique atmosphere. In this way, regional culture becomes vivid and accessible.
Inspired by History, Reimagined
The stories are based on real accounts surrounding Carl Stülpner. From historical traces emerges a literary world that connects imagination and reality in a unique way.
The People Behind Carl & Strups
This book series is shaped by different perspectives: a child’s view, narrative craftsmanship, artistic vision, and historical research.
Co-Author
Luise
Many of the thoughts, questions, and perspectives within these stories emerge together with Luise. Her perception is direct, open, and full of genuine curiosity.
In this way, a child’s sense of wonder, discovery, and attention flows into every story – quietly, honestly, and close to what truly moves children.
Author
Mike Fritzsche
Mike Fritzsche develops the world of Carl & Strups as a narrative bridge between history, nature, childhood, and regional identity.
His aim is to create books that offer children warmth, orientation, and inner strength – while opening a door for adults into a familiar, often forgotten world.
Illustrator
Katharina Siebenborn
Katharina Siebenborn gives Carl & Strups a face. Her illustrations combine warmth, character, and subtle observation with a visual language that is calm yet alive.
This creates a visual world where children want to stay – and where every scene tells more than words alone ever could.
Stülpner Researcher & Source of Inspiration
Johannes Pietzonka
Many of the historical foundations surrounding Carl Stülpner are based on the work of Johannes Pietzonka. As a researcher and preserver of regional history, he plays a defining role behind this series.
His research, his collection of stories, and his perspective on the history of the Ore Mountains form an essential foundation for Carl & Strups.
Carl & Strups is a book series for children – and at the same time for all those who feel that stories can be more than entertainment: a sense of memory, attitude, belonging, and a quiet view of what truly matters.