The true story of a childhood in East Germany, about which we usually read nothing. Stefan is a beloved child, surrounded by his grandmother and dear grandfather, his older sisters, and his parents. Unfortunately, he has to learn the violin because it has been determined in kindergarten that he is suited for it. Later, he trades the violin for a judo suit. The main thing is that he is not a couch potato, says his father. And indeed, Stefan is anything but that. Stefan's father has a job that must remain secret. Stefan knows nothing about the Stasi; he only occasionally notices how his father comes home at night needing help because there was too much vodka involved with the Russians again. Always these drinking toasts. One can also toast to friendship with cocoa, thinks Stefan, and immediately tries it out with his friend Pfläumchen. With lovingly expressive illustrations by Tanja Székessy and a postscript as a conversation starter.