Stars of the Night
The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport
by Caren Stelson
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Pub Date Feb 07 2023 | Archive Date Mar 13 2023
Lerner Publishing Group | Carolrhoda Books ®
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Description
"A not-to-be-missed, inspirational book about courage, heart, and the necessity of caring for others."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This powerful story is told from the collective perspective of the children who were rescued from Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II, as Hitler's campaign of hatred toward Jews and political dissidents took hold. The narrative starts in 1938 and follows the children as they journey to foster families in England for the duration of the war, return to Prague afterward in an unsuccessful search for their parents, and eventually connect with Nicholas Winton, a British former stockbroker who was instrumental in bringing them to safety. Winton and the Czech Kindertransport ultimately rescued 669 children from Nazi persecution.
Award-winning author Caren Stelson teams up with acclaimed illustrator Selina Alko to sensitively tell this tale of survival and defiance in the face of tyranny.
Advance Praise
"A not-to-be-missed, inspirational book about courage, heart, and the necessity of caring for others."—starred, Kirkus Reviews
"This book tells my father's story through the eyes of the children he helped to save from the Holocaust. It is a reminder of the huge difference any one of us can make in the lives of others. Our world depends on it. It is down to people like him, people like us, to make the change we want to see."—Nick Winton, son of Sir Nicholas Winton
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781541598683 |
| PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 40 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Sarah V, Reviewer
This beautiful story brought me to tears. This is the story of children from Czechoslovakia as they have to leave their homes for safety in England right before WW2 breaks out. The story is told in the “we” voice, which adds to the impact. The story concludes with the children finding out who the man was who organized their escape, Nicholas Winton. He saved over 660 kids. This was the first I ever heard of him and immediately looked him up after reading the book. You will love the beautiful collage style of the story and mourn with the kids as they leave their parents and home. Please read this book. It is incredible!
Reviewer 742047
"There will be times when you feel lonely or homesick. Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love."
A beautiful children's book about the children of the Czech kindertransport, a group of 669 Jewish children from Prague that were sent away to England during WWII. When the chlidren returned to Prague years later, most of them found that their families had perished or were missing. Many never found their families again. This book is beautiful and bittersweet. I've heard of a lot of things about WWII but never the Czech kindertransport, so it was nice to learn something new! The illustrations in the book are also absolutely beautiful.
Thanks to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Educator 29040
This is a lovely book. The illustrations were both gorgeous and heartbreaking, but would draw young readers in. It’s a serious topic and story that needs to be told and was done in a gentle way. I loved it.
LeeAnn C, Librarian
Stars of the Night is absolutely gorgeous.
Not only is it a story that needs to be told, it is incredibly well written for a child's point of view.
This is so beautifully designed and presented.
All the stars for this book!
Destiny L, Educator
What a fascinating story! This one should be added to classroom libraries for grades 3 and up. Middle schoolers would especially enjoy and be inspired by the bravery of this individual and others involved in the selflessness of the Kindertransport.
Ashley S, Educator
This book literally gave me chills to read. I think it is SO important to share the stories of those who experienced the Holocaust. This book is beautifully written and details those children who were sent alone to safety, and uncertain of their future. The art is beautiful throughout the book and the message of save one life, save the world will stick with you long after the story is over.
Vicky Z, Educator
I had never heard about the children of the Czech Kinder transport. this was a heartbreaking story, yet so enlightening! This was from the kids point of view, but it was hard for them to understand war. This quote really stood out to me, "There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick. Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love". This could be used as a primary/secondary resource. The collage/acrylic paint/colored pencil illustrations are beautiful.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Nigel Henbest; Simon Brew; Sarah Tomley; Ken Okona-Mensah; Tom Parfitt; Trevor Davies; Chas Newkey-Burden
Entertainment, Humor & Satire, Nonfiction (Adult)
