Who doesn't know the story of the basilisk, this hybrid of rooster, snake and toad, the ghastly sight of which can sometimes scare you to death? This is what supposedly happened to a baker's boy in Vienna on 26 June 1212. The Basilisk House in Schönlaterngasse is still a reminder of this today - and inspired tour guide and actress Gudrun Tielsch to write this fast-paced and imaginative coming-of-age story. The basilisk, who is still naive and green-beaked at the beginning, loses his toad mother and after waiting for a while has no choice but to leave the cosy fountain and go in search of her. As befits medieval heroic stories, he stumbles from one challenge to the next, gets a completely wondrous companion at his side, gets to know both the nobility at court and the creatures of the underworld, and - thanks to the time machine in the Ferris wheel - also takes a small detour into the future. At the end, matured and strengthened, he not only finds his mother again, but also finally gets to know his father. Gudrun Tielsch skilfully interweaves this best-documented Viennese saga with elements of the city's history, plays with typical set pieces of Viennese urban culture and tells of the difficulties of growing up and the search for one's own roots and identity. Lovingly and warmly staged by Viennese illustrator Anna Frohmann. What does a good story need? Suspense, humour, and it should touch us. Gudrun Tielsch manages all three with her novel for children and adults.' Michael Köhlmeier Tips: City history with a difference Rich in fantasy and humorous Short chapters - many experiences.