 Original German language edition (1960) titled Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer | |
| Author | Michael Ende |
|---|---|
| Original title | Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer |
| Illustrator | Franz Josef Tripp |
| Language | German |
| Series | Jim Button |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Thienemann, Stuttgart |
Publication date | 1960 |
| Publication place | Germany |
Published in English | 1963 |
| Followed by | Jim Button and the Wild 13 |
Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver (German: Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer) is a children's novel written by Michael Ende. The main characters are Emma the steam locomotive, her driver Luke (Lukas) and the young accomplice Jim Button (Jim Knopf) who together go on an adventure. The story begins and ends on the small fictional island of Morrowland (Lummerland).
The book was published in 1960, and received the German Young Literature Prize in 1961. It is one of the most successful German language children's books of the postwar era.[1] The success led to thirty-four translations into other languages[2] and the sequel Jim Button and the Wild 13 (Jim Knopf und die Wilde 13).
Ende did not see his book as a children's book,[3] but just wrote it for himself.[4] Over a dozen publishers had rejected the book prior to publication.[2]
- ^ Julia Voss, "Lang lebe der König von Jimballa"[permanent dead link] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Retrieved 31 July 2011 (in German)
- ^ a b Hütter, Verena; Jonathan, Uhlaner (November 2010). "All the Best, Jim Button! The "fine little chap" turns 50". Goethe Institut. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Martin Wittmann, "Nazis raus aus Lummerland" Fokus magazine (9 August 2010). Retrieved 31 July 2011 (in German)
- ^ "Auf der Insel mit zwei Bergen" Fokus magazine (4 August 2010). Retrieved 31 July 2011 (in German)