When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit (Essential Modern Classics)

by Judith Kerr

Book Overview

This description may be from another edition of this product. Based on the gripping real-life story of the author, this poignant, suspenseful middle-grade novel has been a favorite for over forty years. Perfect for Holocaust Remembrance Month. Anna is not sure...

Customer Reviews

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

ISBN 0440490170 - I've always loved books about WWII, because it's a time in history that is so full of stories of endurance and courage. When I picked this one up, I had my doubts about how well this era could be related in a kids' book - and I am so happy to say, it is excellent. The "secrets her parents are keeping" in an earlier review don't exist. They're Jews, they live in Germany and they flee - no secret. Anna and her family live in Germany as Hitler is coming into power, and her father is one of the lucky ones who knew this was a bad thing before it was too late. On the eve of the elections, her family flees to Zurich and begins a new life as refugees. For Anna and her brother Max, this is an adventure, even if they are sad to leave their home and friends. They believe they will be able to come home in six months, so they are not heartbroken over it. They begin school, make new friends and learn new things - not all of them good - while their parents struggle to make ends meet. Her father, a famous writer, can't get regular work for good money and her mother has to learn to do things for herself and her family that they once hired people do to for them. From Zurich to Paris and eventually to England, Anna's family loses everything they own but learn that all they really need is one another. There are some hilarious moments, such as when Anna's teacher tells the class that cavemen used safety pins, and some moments of triumph for everyone. Anna's and Max's success with French is a high point, as is their father's selling a screenplay. Without a doubt, the saddest moment isn't when Hitler stole pink rabbit, but when news of Onkel Julius' suicide reaches the family. For parents worried about that, it's written vaguely enough that a lot of kids will have to come to parents to really understand the passage. This is an excellent story, with Hitler and the Nazis not exactly starring in it - Anna's story is much more a day-to-day story than a rehashing of the war.

toymonkey

Are you looking for a book that you can't put down, and will want to read again and again? Well, you found it! When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is so adventurous that you'll want to come back for more! I would, and after you read it, give this book five stars! Maybe even ten stars! And School Library Journal and Booklist agree that this autobiographical novel absorbs your true feelings about this time period. I'm very pleased with this book because it shows her feelings when things happen to her though out the book. An example would be when she found out she was going to be moving country to country. She felt excited about the whole thing and really wanted to go to Paris, France. This book also tells about the personalities of others. Take her grandmother Omama for an example. The book said Omama never moved without her dachshund Pumpel. This book can change your point of view of her and her family because of what they go thought all though the book. You'll find out where she moves and what she has to learn to fit in. She will have to learn different languages and customs. And there are new friends in every county that she goes to. Judith Kerr, the author, is so talented that you'll think that you are the book experiencing everything that they go though. Come experience it for yourself!

Has been a favourite for years and will be for years to come

I first encountered "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit" at the age of ten. My school's library was receiving a shipment of brand-new books and therefore was giving away the older ones to any students who wanted them. Among others, this book caught my eye and I took it home. I read it within a few days. As soon as I finished it I turned back to the first page and began to read it again. This beautiful story set in the 1930s, shortly before the beginning of World War II, is warm and inspiring as it follows a young Jewish refugee and her family across three different countries and several trials and tribulations. At the risk of sounding too cliche, it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it always reminds me of how important families are and how pure, simple love can save your life. I would strongly recommend this touching, autobiographical tale to anyone with an appreciation of history, family values, and good story-telling.

Have read this book numerous times

I first read this book at about age 10 and have since read it numerous times. I have an 8 year old and she is now beginning to read it (with a little help from me). To say the least, this was my favourite book as a youth. It's easy to place yourself in Anna's shoes and dream about what it would have been like to be in a similar plight. I cannot recommend this book enough for children (male or female) around age 10...especially American youth whose perspective can be opened beyond what most have experienced at this age. There's nothing to offend in the book though a few questions may come up. Other reviewers give you the plot...I will refrain from repeating.To my delight, I discovered that there are two sequels to the book written by Kerr: Small Person Far Away, The Other Way Round. Guess what two books are next on my reading list?

This is a wonderful book for any child or even Adult!

This is probably the best book I've ever read. It is about a girl named Anna who is forced to fled her country with her family in hopes of not being found by the Nazi's. And it shows the struggles and difficulties that Anna's family had to go through in battle of finding freedom. It is a very compelling story that takes place in World War II. And It will keep you wondering. I read this book when I was in 6th grade and never found it again. I am going to order it and I hope you all do. It is a very good book that teaches the reader about WWII and is still appropreate for the young reader. It is Highly Recommended!