This semi-autobiographical classic, written by the beloved Judith Kerr, tells the story of a Jewish family escaping Germany in the days before the Second World War. This beautiful new edition celebrates the fifty year anniversary of an adventure that Michael Morpurgo called The most life-enhancing book you could ever wish to read. Suppose your country began to change. Suppose that without your noticing, it became dangerous for some people to live in it any longer, and you found, to your surprise, that your own father was one of those people. This is what happened to Anna in 1933. Anna is too busy with her schoolwork and tobogganing to listen to the talk of Hitler. But one day she and her brother Max are rushed out of Germany in alarming secrecy, away from everything they know. Their father is wanted by the Nazis. This is the start of a huge adventure, sometimes frightening, very often funny and always exciting. Judith Kerr wrote When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit fifty years ago, based on her own journey, so that her own children would know where she came from and the lengths to which her parents went to keep her and her brother safe. It has gone on to become a beloved classic that is required reading for many children all over the world and is an unforgettable introduction to the real-life impact of the Second World War. This new edition celebrates fifty years of this extraordinary story.
This book features in the following series: Collins, Collins Modern Classics, Essential Modern Classics, Modern Classics On Tape .
This book has been graded for interest at 9 years.
There are 304 pages in this book. This book was published in 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers .
Judith Kerr OBE was born in Berlin. Her family left Germany in 1933 to escape the rising Nazi party, and came to England. She studied at the Central School of Art and later worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC.
This book contains the following story:
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr is a semi-autobiographical children's novel that tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Anna living in Germany during the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. The novel is set in the late 1930s and explores themes of identity, displacement, and the impact of war through the eyes of a child. The story begins with Anna, a lively and imaginative nine-year-old girl who lives in Berlin with her family. Anna enjoys a comfortable life, filled with friends and the joys of childhood. She has a beloved pink rabbit, which symbolizes her innocence and childhood happiness. As Hitler comes to power, anti-Semitic sentiments begin to surface in Germany, impacting Anna's family. Anna's father, a Jewish writer, becomes increasingly concerned about their safety. The family experiences rising tensions as Jewish people face discrimination and persecution. When Anna's father receives threats due to his Jewish identity, the family decides to leave Germany to escape the growing danger. They flee to Switzerland, leaving behind their home, friends, and Anna's cherished pink rabbit. This moment marks a significant turning point in Anna's life, as she grapples with feelings of loss and fear. In Switzerland, the family struggles to adapt to their new life as refugees. They face challenges such as language barriers, financial difficulties, and the trauma of displacement. Anna misses her home and her friends, but she also begins to discover new experiences and friendships in her new surroundings. As the story progresses, Anna's family moves again, this time to Paris, seeking safety and stability. Throughout their journey, they face various hardships and uncertainties, but Anna's resilience and determination shine through. The story concludes with a sense of hope as Anna and her family find a new home and the possibility of rebuilding their lives, but the scars of their experiences remain. The pink rabbit, a symbol of Annas childhood innocence, represents the loss and longing that accompanies the upheaval of their lives
The novel captures Anna's growth and maturation amidst the chaos of war. She learns to navigate a world filled with uncertainty, develops a deeper understanding of her identity, and begins to grasp the harsh realities of life as a Jewish refugee. Themes include: (i) Loss and Displacement: The novel poignantly addresses the loss of childhood and the sense of belonging that comes with being forced to flee ones home.(ii)Courage and Resilience: Anna's journey illustrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. (iii) Childhood Innocence: The story highlights the impact of historical events on the lives of children, showing how they cope with the realities of a changing world. "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit" is a powerful and moving tale that offers insight into the experiences of refugees during a tumultuous period in history, all while maintaining a focus on the perspective of a young girl navigating the complexities of loss, identity, and hope.
This book is in the following series:
Essential Modern Classics
The "Essential Modern Classics" series is a collection of children's literature published by Puffin Books, designed to introduce young readers to significant works of modern literature. The series features a selection of beloved stories that have become classics in their own right and includes a range of genres, from fantasy and adventure to contemporary fiction. The books are tailored for children aged 8 and up, making them suitable for middle-grade readers and explore themes such as friendship, courage, family, adventure, and self-discovery.
Collins Modern Classics
Modern Classics on Tape
Collins
This book features the following characters:
Hitler
This book features Hitler.
Alfred Kerr
Alfred Kerr (18671948) was a prominent German-Jewish literary and theatre critic, essayist, and writer, known for his sharp, insightful critiques and his significant influence on German culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played a key role in shaping public opinion on literature and theatre in Berlin and throughout Germany. Kerr wrote for various influential newspapers, most notably Berliner Tageblatt, where his theatre reviews became highly regarded for their wit and incisive commentary. He was known for his advocacy of modernist writers and playwrights, promoting figures like Bertolt Brecht and Thomas Mann. Kerr's criticism was often bold and uncompromising, making him a respected but sometimes controversial figure in literary circles. With the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s, Kerr, who was Jewish and an outspoken critic of the regime, was forced to flee Germany in 1933. He went into exile, living in various countries before eventually settling in England. His works were banned and burned by the Nazis. Kerr is also remembered for his contributions to intellectual discourse and his efforts to preserve artistic integrity in the face of political oppression. His daughter, Judith Kerr, later became famous as the author of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, which partly reflects their family's experience during the Holocaust.
"A compassionate introduction to the whole subject of World War II" - Books for your Children
"An extremely exciting adventure story." - Daily Express
"A charming and touching book, often very funny" - Daily Mail
"Exact, intelligent and unsentimental." - Sunday Telegraph
