Irène Cohen-Janca

Forced by the Nazis to leave their orphanage, 160 Jewish children march through the streets of Warsaw. Led by their beloved director, Doctor Korczak, the children are defiantly joyful as they enter the ghetto. Two years later, the same children are rounded up to be transported to the death camp, Treblinka. Offered his freedom, Doctor Korczak refuses to abandon the children and proudly joins them to make sure that they are comforted even at the very end. This extraordinary true story introduces young readers to a remarkable man whose humanity and bravery shone through during one of history’s darkest periods. Beautifully poignant drawings accompany the text, adding to the somber tone of the book. A gatefold page towards the end shows the line of children led by Doctor Korczak as they leave on their last journey.… (mehr)

For two years, Anne Frank and her family lived hidden in the back building at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam. Through a skylight she could see a mighty chestnut tree. It offered her the only opportunity to experience a little nature in her hiding place. Anne describes the tree several times in her diary. Its seasonal transformations as well as the power of its flowers and leaves gave her hope for a returning spring. Irène Cohen-Janca tells Anne Frank's story from the perspective of the chestnut tree. With his fine lines and precisely placed color accents, Maurizio A. C. Quarello succeeds in letting the arbitrariness of those in power, the feelings of the prisoners and Anne's dreams speak through the images.… (mehr)