[1] The Kalbacher Klapperschlange was Germany's first book prize awarded by a jury only consisting of children.
The sponsoring association "Kinderverein Kalbach" as well as the award itself were established by the German author Regina Rusch.
Only novels for children between the ages of 8 and 14 published in the previous year are eligible to participate in the Kalbacher Klapperschlange.
The evaluation is based on both content-related criteria (understanding, traceability, tension) and formal aspects (design and legibility).
In addition to the prize, the Kalbacher Klapperschlange, the winner receives a review booklet with the ratings of all participants.