Module 6: History (Fictional Picture Books)

Hesse, Karen. Cats in Krasinski Square. New York: Scholastic Press, 2004.

Summary: Tells in free verse the story of a young Polish girl during World War II who tries to smuggle food into the ghetto to reach the starving Jews on the other side of the Wall. The local feral cats have shown her the cracks in the walls and she plans to fill the cracks with food for those inside. When the day arrives, they learn the Gestapo knows of their plan so they must alter it. They gather the cats into baskets, and when the police dogs go crazy over the cats, the smuggled food is bravely crossed over, under, and through the Wall. An author's note goes into the historical details behind this story, explaining the parts that are fact, and the parts that may be based in fact but aren't entirely known, such as whether or not the cats really outfoxed the Gestapo at the Warsaw train station. More details about the Warsaw Jews, the Holocaust, and the Wall are also described, as well as the bravery of those who helped during that time. 

Impressions: For younger children, this is a soft introduction to the atrocities of the Holocaust. The melodic verse allows younger readers to begin to comprehend the harsh conditions Jews and others experienced during World War II. The illustrations are rendered in sepia tones of watercolors, pencil, and ink. The illustrations and backgrounds give an older feel to the story, enabling readers to envision this time period. Older children with more knowledge of the Holocaust will appreciate the historical background in the back of the book. Regardless of the age of the reader, this book is a good introduction to a little known aspect of the Holocaust.

Reviews:

Horn Book Guide: Both author and artist achieve a fine balance of beauty and sadness. Simple, graceful words and pictures make this adventure story a taut and moving one. Copyright 2003 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal: The play of light and the naturalness of the cats' poses are almost a comfort in a story that adults sense as keenly distressing, and that beckons for adult interpretation or guidance. What is clear is the immediate poignancy of these cats and the author's evocative language in describing them: "They belonged once to someone. They slept on sofa cushions- they purred- nuzzling the chins of their beloveds." 

Booklist: In bold, black lines and washes of smoky gray and ochre, Watson's arresting images echo the pared-down language as well as the hope that shines like the glints of sunlight on Krasinski Square. An author's note references the true events and heartbreaking history that inspired this stirring, expertly crafted story.