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The Little Boy Star: An Allegory of the Holocaust
A young Jewish boy is given a star to wear. At first he is proud of the decoration, but soon finds the star overshadowing him―no one sees the boy, only the star. Lonely, frightened, and helpless, he watches as other star-wearers are led away into the night. This affecting allegory, rich with symbolism, educates children about the events of the Holocaust in a way that young minds can easily grasp. Told in simple, poetic language, the book offers a tender message of tolerance and inner strength. Little Boy Star includes an introduction by David A. Adler, author of A Picture Book of Anne Frank and other critically acclaimed children's books on the Holocaust. Olivier Latyk's haunting illustrations underscore the poignant theme.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 18, 2024
No me ha convencido.
Ya se ha escrito largo y tendido sobre el holocausto nazi y este libro no lo contaría entre lo mejor. Es un poco más de lo mismo y para mi gusto le falta fuerza para conectar con el lector y hacerle empatizar.
Ya se ha escrito largo y tendido sobre el holocausto nazi y este libro no lo contaría entre lo mejor. Es un poco más de lo mismo y para mi gusto le falta fuerza para conectar con el lector y hacerle empatizar.
May 26, 2008
El Nino Estrella uses poetry & symbolism to address the German holocaust. It weaves in themes of identity, difference, labels, discrimination, loneliness, & acceptance.
January 29, 2008
Hausfater, Rachel. The Little Boy Star: An Allegory of the Holocaust. Milk and Cookies Press, 2006. $16.95. 1596871725. Unpaged. Once upon a time, a little boy was told he was a star. At first he was pleased and proud, but soon he discovered he was the wrong kind of star, and became ashamed and hid. This saved his life, but it was hard to feel safe again after the danger was over. This allegory about the holocaust is deceptively simple, and is best shared with an adult who can guide the reader in a discussion about the story. The story also lends itself to discussion of other people who have hidden who they were in order to save their lives: Jews in previous times of history, gays and lesbians, etc. The older reader can be guided into such analogies. A brief introduction by David Adler provides background on the historical events related to the story. Age 5 – 10 with an adult, otherwise, 11 and up. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2009
had anyone told me that there would be a picture book about the holocaust appropriate to be read aloud to my toddler, i would have not believed it.
that book is here, and rachel hausfater has written it. a lovely and simple tale of a little boy who wears a star. written in the most sensitive and delicate way, and illustrated both symbolically and literally by olivier latyk. my son asked me to read this one again immediately after we finished reading it the first time.
the standout for me: latyk's illustration of a lone train, rolling toward a fenced camp, within which stands a smokestack, releasing a cloud of stars into the night sky. a heartbreak so tender, i almost didn't realize that it was happening.
that book is here, and rachel hausfater has written it. a lovely and simple tale of a little boy who wears a star. written in the most sensitive and delicate way, and illustrated both symbolically and literally by olivier latyk. my son asked me to read this one again immediately after we finished reading it the first time.
the standout for me: latyk's illustration of a lone train, rolling toward a fenced camp, within which stands a smokestack, releasing a cloud of stars into the night sky. a heartbreak so tender, i almost didn't realize that it was happening.
February 23, 2010
Product Description
This book is suitable for ages 4-8. A young Jewish boy is given a star to wear. At first he is proud of the decoration, but soon finds the star overshadowing him - no one sees the boy, only the star. Lonely, frightened, and helpless, he watches as other star-wearers are led away into the night. This affecting allegory, rich with symbolism, educates children about the events of the Holocaust in a way that young minds can easily grasp. Told in simple, poetic language, the book offers a tender message of tolerance and inner strength.
I really liked this book. The art is very well done and the story is meaningful and poignant. I have added it to my wish list.
This book is suitable for ages 4-8. A young Jewish boy is given a star to wear. At first he is proud of the decoration, but soon finds the star overshadowing him - no one sees the boy, only the star. Lonely, frightened, and helpless, he watches as other star-wearers are led away into the night. This affecting allegory, rich with symbolism, educates children about the events of the Holocaust in a way that young minds can easily grasp. Told in simple, poetic language, the book offers a tender message of tolerance and inner strength.
I really liked this book. The art is very well done and the story is meaningful and poignant. I have added it to my wish list.
March 12, 2010
A beautifully simple yet powerful story,talking about such a horrendous era of history. The introduction offers the background detail which would work in unison to introducing the topic of the Holocaust to even older students.
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April 24, 2013This story can be incorporated into the curriculum as a historical example of the devastating consequences of intolerance. The students should realize how indifferently tolerating someone’s differences is not the same as respecting them and treating them with dignity.
March 30, 2016
Temas como identidad, prejuicios, discriminación, soledad y aceptación son tratados de manera simbólica en este libro sobre el holocausto. Una buena manera de abordar el tema con los más pequeños.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews