One day, the animals of the world have had enough of the never-ending wars of the humans and the recurring fruitless peace conferences. Because the animals like the children of the humans, they decide to do something for them. And so they call a conference to put an end to the problems created by humans, such as wars, famine and environmental destruction. The representatives of the different animal species flock together from all over and hold their own conference. Now they consider what can be done against the power-obsessed and warlike humans. However, the appeal for peace to the humans is not heard. So the animals resort to a drastic measure: they kidnap all the children. For the children are the ones who suffer most from the wars. The animals keep the children until the statesmen sign a treaty stating that all weapons and military forces in the world will be abolished. Erich Kästner wrote his fable "The Animals' Conference" in 1949 under the impression of the Second World War as an appeal for peace in the world.