The Atlantis Publishing House was founded in Berlin by Martin Hürlimann in 1930. Following a disappointing search for a picture book to give to his first daughter, he and his wife, Bettina Hürlimann-Kiepenheuer, decided to publish their own children’s books. In 1939, the Hürlimanns and their business re-located to Zurich. Atlantis picture books soon set the standards for the industry. On one hand, each book was personally designed down to the tiniest detail by the »Book Lady«, while at the same time, the publishers were active around the world (IBBY, BIB). Some books from this period are still in print, for example, Heidrun Petrides’ classic story, »Xaver and Wastl« (1962).
