The world’s largest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, once again opened its doors from October 15–19, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany—welcoming dreamers, storytellers, and innovators from across the globe. Known as the beating heart of the publishing world, this grand event gathers more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, with an expected 280,000 attendees and 10,000 media professionals. It’s not just a fair—it’s a global celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
This year’s fair raises the bar even higher, offering more than 4,000 seminars and roundtable discussions that spotlight the evolving future of books and storytelling. From bold new voices to literary legends, the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 remains the ultimate hub for discovering stories that inspire, unite, and challenge perspectives.
Adding a splash of cultural pride, this year’s Guest of Honour—Philippines—brings its vibrant literary tradition and storytelling heritage to the world stage. With colorful themes of faith, family, and identity, the Philippines’ participation breathes new life into this year’s fair, reminding everyone that imagination knows no borders.
https://www.messemasters.com/shows/frankfurt-book-fair/
As the fair celebrates another successful year of bringing together the brightest minds in publishing, Citi of Books proudly joins the festivities at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, showcasing inspiring titles from its talented authors. Among the featured works in the Book Gallery is “Fred’s First Thunderstorm” by Michael Hiefner— a heartfelt story of a young boy who manages to overcome his fears when a terrible thunderstorm outside causes him great anxiety.
Michael Hiefner, a native Texan and avid puddle jumper, who works in manufacturing and is a mud-run and boardgame, has completed his new book, “Fred’s First Thunderstorm.”
“Fred’s First Thunderstorm” by Michael Hiefner is a charming and heartfelt children’s story that turns fear into wonder through the eyes of a young boy named Fred. Set against the backdrop of a loud, lightning-filled night, this delightful rhyming tale gently helps children understand and manage their fears of thunderstorms. Hiefner, a proud Texan, manufacturing professional, and self-proclaimed “avid puddle jumper,” draws inspiration from his own love of rainy days to craft a story that is as comforting as it is fun.
Throughout the story, readers join Fred as he faces one of childhood’s most common fears—the booming and flashing spectacle of a big storm. With “flashes and crashes” echoing outside his window, Fred’s imagination runs wild. But through engaging rhythm, vivid illustrations, and a reassuring tone, Hiefner helps transform that fear into curiosity and excitement. The story encourages children to look beyond the noise and see the beauty that follows—the freshness of the world after the rain, the joy of jumping in puddles, and the sense of bravery that comes from facing something new.
Hiefner’s playful, rhyming text makes this book a perfect read-aloud for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to help little ones navigate their anxieties with laughter and understanding. The book’s lyrical flow and relatable emotions capture the magic of childhood discovery while subtly teaching resilience and mindfulness.
Ultimately, “Fred’s First Thunderstorm” is more than a bedtime story—it’s a gentle lesson about courage, nature, and the power of perspective. Michael Hiefner invites readers young and old to remember that sometimes, what first seems scary can turn into something wonderful. After all, every storm passes—and when it does, there’s always sunshine (and maybe a few puddles) waiting to be enjoyed.
Purchase the book through this link: https://a.co/d/giArxEd