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Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot
The true story of a young German girl, Mercedes Simon, and of the American pilot, Gail Halvorsen, who shared hope and joy with the children of West Berlin by dropping candy-filled parachutes during the Airlift.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2002
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August 13, 2018
এই গল্পের পটভূমি দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের পরবর্তী সময়কাল। WWII নিয়ে যাদের আগ্রহ আছে তারা অনেকেই "The Berlin Airlift" নামক মিশনের কথা শুনেছেন। এই মিশন Berlin Blockade নামেও পরিচিত৷ যুদ্ধ শেষ হওয়ার পর পরাজিত জার্মানির দিকে সাহায্যের হাত বাড়িয়ে দিয়েছিল গ্রেট ব্রিটেন, দ্য ইউনাইটেড স্টেট আর ফ্রান্স। অপরদিকে সোভিয়েত ইউনিয়নের কমিউনিস্ট পার্টির জেনারেল সেক্রেটারি জোসেফ স্ট্যালিন চেয়েছিল জার্মানির রাজধানী বার্লিনকে নিজের অধীনে নিয়ে নিতে৷ এই উদ্দেশ্য পূরণ করার লক্ষ্যে জোসেফ স্ট্যালিন বার্লিন শহরের সাথে ওয়েস্টার্ন মিত্রশক্তির স্থলপথ আর জলপথের যোগাযোগ ব্যাবস্থা বিচ্ছিন্ন করে দিয়েছিল। তিন মিত্রশক্তি তখন বেশ বিপদে পড়ে যায়।আবারও গোলা বারুদের মুখে বার্লিন শহরকে উদ্ধার করতে গেলে তো তৃতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধ শুরু হয়ে যাবে। তাই তারা হিংস্রতার পরিবর্তে অন্য একটি নির্দোষ পদ্ধতি অবলম্বন করেন। তারা আকাশপথে যুদ্ধাহত বার্লিন শহরে বিভিন্ন ত্রান সামগ্রী পাঠানোর ব্যাবস্থা করেন। এই মিশনই ইতিহাসে "Berlin Blockade" নামে পরিচিত। এখনও পর্যন্ত পৃথিবীর ইতিহাসে এই মিশন সবচাইতে মহৎ হিউমেটেরিয়ান মিশন হিসেবে স্বীকৃতি পেয়ে আসছে!
Marcedes and the Chocolate Pilot গল্পের শুরুটা এখানে। আরও স্পেশিফিক করে বলতে গেলে এই গল্পের শুরুটা হয় মাত্র দুটো চিউইং গামের স্টিক দিয়ে। Colonel Gail Halvorse তখন United States Army Air Forces এ পাইলট হিসেবে নিয়োজিত ছিলেন। একদিন বার্লিন শহরে ত্রান সামগ্রী বিতরণ করতে গিয়ে তিনি নিজেকে প্রায় তিরিশজন শিশুর মাঝে আবিস্কার করেন। অথচ এই শিশুদের উপহার হিসেবে দেয়ার মতো তার পকেটে ছিলো মাত্র দুটো গাম স্টিক। এরপর তিনি আর কোনো উপায় না পেয়ে লটারি করে ওই স্টিক ভাগ করে দেন চারজন শিশুর মধ্যে। আর প্রমিস করেন পরবর্তীতে তিনি প্লেনের উপর থেকে ওদের জন্য ক্যান্ডি ফেলে দেবেন। গেইল কিন্তু তার প্রমিস রেখেছিলেন! বিপদে পড়তে পারেন জেনেও অথোরিটির অনুমতি ছাড়াই তিনি রুমাল দিয়ে প্যারাসুট বানিয়ে তাতে ক্যান্ডিবার বেঁধে ফেলে দিতেন শিশুদের উদ্দেশ্যে। তাকে শিশুরা চিনতো "The Chocolate Pilot" আর "Uncle Wiggly Wings" হিসেবে আর তার এই অপারেশনের নাম ছিল Operation Little Vittles।
পরবর্তীতে অবশ্য এই গোপন অভিযানের কথা অথোরিটি জানতে পারে আর আনন্দের ব্যাপার হলো গেইলকে তার গোপন অপারেশনের জন্য কোনো সাজা পেতে হয়নি! বরং সমগ্র আমেরিকা থেকে সবাই এয়ারফিল্ডে যুদ্ধাহত শিশুদের জন্য চকোলেট আর রুমাল পাঠাতে শুরু করে! এই অপারেশনের সময় গেইল প্রায় তেইশ টন চকোলেট বিতরণ করেছিলেন। শুধু তাই নয়, বিভিন্ন জায়গা থেকে শিশুরা তাকে চিঠি লিখতো। আর তিনি খুব যত্ন করে সেসব চিঠির উত্তর দিতেন। মার্সিডিস নামের ছোট্ট একটি মেয়েও একদিন চাঁদের আলোয় বসে গেইলকে চিঠি লিখেছিলো। আর চিঠির উত্তরে গেইল মার্সিডিসকে পাঠিয়েছিলেন অনেকগুলো ক্যান্ডিবার!
বইয়ের ইপিলগে খুব চমৎকার একটা সারপ্রাইজ আছে! কিভাবে এই অপারেশন যুদ্ধাহত শিশুদের সুন্দর একটা আগামীর স্বপ্ন দেখতে সাহায্য করেছিল এই সারপ্রাইজের গল্প পড়তে গিয়ে বারবার চোখ ভিজে যাচ্ছিল!
এই বইয়ের মনছোঁয়া ইলাস্ট্রেশনের কথা না বললে রিভিউ অসমাপ্ত থেকে যাবে। এতো সুন্দর আর প্রাণবন্ত একেকটা ছবি! একদম এনিমেশন মুভির মতো রঙিন আর বাস্তব! রিভিউ এর সাথে দুইটা ছবি জুড়ে দিয়েছি যা দেখে ইলাস্ট্রেশন সম্পর্কে খানিকটা ধারণা পাবেন।
তিশাকে ধন্যবাদ আর ভালোবাসা এমন চমৎকার একটি বই রিকমেন্ড করার জন্য আর ইবুক সরবরাহ করার জন্য!
Marcedes and the Chocolate Pilot গল্পের শুরুটা এখানে। আরও স্পেশিফিক করে বলতে গেলে এই গল্পের শুরুটা হয় মাত্র দুটো চিউইং গামের স্টিক দিয়ে। Colonel Gail Halvorse তখন United States Army Air Forces এ পাইলট হিসেবে নিয়োজিত ছিলেন। একদিন বার্লিন শহরে ত্রান সামগ্রী বিতরণ করতে গিয়ে তিনি নিজেকে প্রায় তিরিশজন শিশুর মাঝে আবিস্কার করেন। অথচ এই শিশুদের উপহার হিসেবে দেয়ার মতো তার পকেটে ছিলো মাত্র দুটো গাম স্টিক। এরপর তিনি আর কোনো উপায় না পেয়ে লটারি করে ওই স্টিক ভাগ করে দেন চারজন শিশুর মধ্যে। আর প্রমিস করেন পরবর্তীতে তিনি প্লেনের উপর থেকে ওদের জন্য ক্যান্ডি ফেলে দেবেন। গেইল কিন্তু তার প্রমিস রেখেছিলেন! বিপদে পড়তে পারেন জেনেও অথোরিটির অনুমতি ছাড়াই তিনি রুমাল দিয়ে প্যারাসুট বানিয়ে তাতে ক্যান্ডিবার বেঁধে ফেলে দিতেন শিশুদের উদ্দেশ্যে। তাকে শিশুরা চিনতো "The Chocolate Pilot" আর "Uncle Wiggly Wings" হিসেবে আর তার এই অপারেশনের নাম ছিল Operation Little Vittles।
পরবর্তীতে অবশ্য এই গোপন অভিযানের কথা অথোরিটি জানতে পারে আর আনন্দের ব্যাপার হলো গেইলকে তার গোপন অপারেশনের জন্য কোনো সাজা পেতে হয়নি! বরং সমগ্র আমেরিকা থেকে সবাই এয়ারফিল্ডে যুদ্ধাহত শিশুদের জন্য চকোলেট আর রুমাল পাঠাতে শুরু করে! এই অপারেশনের সময় গেইল প্রায় তেইশ টন চকোলেট বিতরণ করেছিলেন। শুধু তাই নয়, বিভিন্ন জায়গা থেকে শিশুরা তাকে চিঠি লিখতো। আর তিনি খুব যত্ন করে সেসব চিঠির উত্তর দিতেন। মার্সিডিস নামের ছোট্ট একটি মেয়েও একদিন চাঁদের আলোয় বসে গেইলকে চিঠি লিখেছিলো। আর চিঠির উত্তরে গেইল মার্সিডিসকে পাঠিয়েছিলেন অনেকগুলো ক্যান্ডিবার!
বইয়ের ইপিলগে খুব চমৎকার একটা সারপ্রাইজ আছে! কিভাবে এই অপারেশন যুদ্ধাহত শিশুদের সুন্দর একটা আগামীর স্বপ্ন দেখতে সাহায্য করেছিল এই সারপ্রাইজের গল্প পড়তে গিয়ে বারবার চোখ ভিজে যাচ্ছিল!
এই বইয়ের মনছোঁয়া ইলাস্ট্রেশনের কথা না বললে রিভিউ অসমাপ্ত থেকে যাবে। এতো সুন্দর আর প্রাণবন্ত একেকটা ছবি! একদম এনিমেশন মুভির মতো রঙিন আর বাস্তব! রিভিউ এর সাথে দুইটা ছবি জুড়ে দিয়েছি যা দেখে ইলাস্ট্রেশন সম্পর্কে খানিকটা ধারণা পাবেন।
তিশাকে ধন্যবাদ আর ভালোবাসা এমন চমৎকার একটি বই রিকমেন্ড করার জন্য আর ইবুক সরবরাহ করার জন্য!
March 6, 2011
I cried all the way through this book, yet I really can’t think of one less than positive thing to say about it.
This is a wonderful history book for middle school age kids.
It’s about a real little girl, a real pilot, and a chapter of history about which I’d known nothing about until I read this book. These two people are the focus, but the situation of the West Berlin’s citizens being blockaded by Russia in the years after World War II, and the pilots who delivered supplies to them, is covered well, and I learned quite a bit. I never cease to be amazed how much I learn from children’ picture books.
There is a lot of straight history before and after the story portion, and I loved all the information. I like that the reader finds out what happened years later with Mercedes and the pilot; so often in books I want to know that but am left wondering.
The wonderful pilot, Gail Halvorsen, who dropped the candy and gum for the West Berlin children, and gave them hope, was just so cool, and children will appreciate learning about him. Mercedes is a great character too. And, they’re real people. As I read, I could taste the chocolate on my tongue and could easily imagine how much it meant to the children. Yes, the food and supplies drops were paramount, but the extras (and the ingenious and fun way in which they were delivered) would have meant so much emotionally, and the book makes all of this so clear. And, I’ve read enough about nearly starving people and people with no luxuries such as chocolate to know that the actual candy and gum meant a lot too.
This is the kind of story that has me feeling good about the human race, and I always appreciate these kinds of stories.
The illustrations are fabulous, perfect for the book. The expressiveness on people’s faces, the art style, everything worked for me.
This is a wonderful history book for middle school age kids.
It’s about a real little girl, a real pilot, and a chapter of history about which I’d known nothing about until I read this book. These two people are the focus, but the situation of the West Berlin’s citizens being blockaded by Russia in the years after World War II, and the pilots who delivered supplies to them, is covered well, and I learned quite a bit. I never cease to be amazed how much I learn from children’ picture books.
There is a lot of straight history before and after the story portion, and I loved all the information. I like that the reader finds out what happened years later with Mercedes and the pilot; so often in books I want to know that but am left wondering.
The wonderful pilot, Gail Halvorsen, who dropped the candy and gum for the West Berlin children, and gave them hope, was just so cool, and children will appreciate learning about him. Mercedes is a great character too. And, they’re real people. As I read, I could taste the chocolate on my tongue and could easily imagine how much it meant to the children. Yes, the food and supplies drops were paramount, but the extras (and the ingenious and fun way in which they were delivered) would have meant so much emotionally, and the book makes all of this so clear. And, I’ve read enough about nearly starving people and people with no luxuries such as chocolate to know that the actual candy and gum meant a lot too.
This is the kind of story that has me feeling good about the human race, and I always appreciate these kinds of stories.
The illustrations are fabulous, perfect for the book. The expressiveness on people’s faces, the art style, everything worked for me.
February 15, 2020
I found myself close to tears by the end of Margot Theis Raven's Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot, a picture-book retelling of the story of Lt. Gail Halvorsen, the "Berlin Candy Bomber," and the young German girl (one of many) who wrote him with a special request. A pilot in the US Air Force, and a participant in the Berlin Airlift, which ferried much-needed supplies to West Berlin after WWII, when the Soviet Union was blockading the city, Halvorsen responded to pleas from local children for candy and chocolate by releasing tiny handkerchief parachutes filled with sweets. Soon a famous and beloved figure in the beleaguered city - he was nicknamed "The Chocolate Pilot" and "Uncle Wiggly Wings" - he was inundated with letters from children, one of which came from young Mercedes. Realizing that it wasn't just candy he was dispensing, but hope, Halvorsen responded to his young correspondents as best he could, and, in the case of Mercedes, sent a missive that would become a treasured heirloom, and an avenue of friendship, years later...
Halvorsen's belief that hope was as essential as food for the children of war-torn Germany, if the country was ever to recover, and get off on a better path than they had hitherto followed, reminded me of Jella Lepman's similar conviction, when it came to supplying post-war Germany's children with books. It might have been tempting, at the time, to dismiss such concerns as frivolous, given the pressing need for more immediate assistance (food, shelter, clothing), but the intangible benefit of such thinking is readily apparent today, with the benefit of hindsight, and the testimony of those - including Mercedes - who were touched by this act of kindness. An engrossing historical story, one that addresses themes of war and reconstruction, and childhood life under military occupation, Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot is a book I would recommend to youngsters (upper elementary school level and above) with an interest in history. It can be paired with One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World War II , which also deals with the aftermath of this terrible conflict.
Halvorsen's belief that hope was as essential as food for the children of war-torn Germany, if the country was ever to recover, and get off on a better path than they had hitherto followed, reminded me of Jella Lepman's similar conviction, when it came to supplying post-war Germany's children with books. It might have been tempting, at the time, to dismiss such concerns as frivolous, given the pressing need for more immediate assistance (food, shelter, clothing), but the intangible benefit of such thinking is readily apparent today, with the benefit of hindsight, and the testimony of those - including Mercedes - who were touched by this act of kindness. An engrossing historical story, one that addresses themes of war and reconstruction, and childhood life under military occupation, Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot is a book I would recommend to youngsters (upper elementary school level and above) with an interest in history. It can be paired with One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World War II , which also deals with the aftermath of this terrible conflict.
February 24, 2018
This is another book my son and I read together as a background for a school project they are beginning on WWII. It's a true story about an Air Force pilot that dropped candy from his plane to the children in Berlin. It's a pretty short story but it's so heartwarming. Even in just those few pages, it brought tears to my eyes. It reminds you that there are good people in the world. I think everyone should read it once.
September 5, 2024
A wonderful and sweet true story about a little German girl, after WWII, and an American pilot going the extra mile to make her smile. Little did he know just how much it meant to her.
Beautiful illustrations!
Beautiful illustrations!
July 20, 2009
I am trying so hard not to cry after reading this book--especially as I'm sitting at the Ref desk! But you know me and my weakness for "based on a true story" books and movies. This picture book is a sweet and gentle telling of a true story that I had never heard before. And can't believe I never have! It is so wonderful! And I'm now quite intrigued about all the lives he touched and how his little deeds have escalated so much in this world.
The book is very informative. Has nice illustrations (love the use of color). And though I do not like candy, I still was able to imagine the joy and happiness his candy bombing provided. This is just too, too precious of a story to pass up. So glad I encountered it. Another one that I needed.
Too much in this book to tell in a storytime, but certainly one worth book talking just to have as many read it as possible.
P.S. I had my suspicions as I read the book. So I did my research, and I was right: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Hal...
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp...
The book is very informative. Has nice illustrations (love the use of color). And though I do not like candy, I still was able to imagine the joy and happiness his candy bombing provided. This is just too, too precious of a story to pass up. So glad I encountered it. Another one that I needed.
Too much in this book to tell in a storytime, but certainly one worth book talking just to have as many read it as possible.
P.S. I had my suspicions as I read the book. So I did my research, and I was right: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Hal...
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp...
November 19, 2025
I teared up reading this story. A beautiful story telling about the hard times they had in Berlin following the war.
December 12, 2011
This is a wonderful story about the Berlin Airlift and the way that Lt Gail S. Halvorsen's Operation Little Vittles affected the lives of the hundred thousand children in Berlin. The story was fascinating and the additional information provided at the beginning and end of the tale really reinforced the importance of the supply runs. The illustrations are terrific and very expressive and complement the story very nicely. The fact that Col Halvorsen continued his airdrops to refugees in more recent conflict, as many as fifty years from his original drops was amazing to me and very inspirational.
As a member of the United States Air Force, I was very happy to be able to share a bit of my service's history with our girls. As a mom, I hope they understand a bit more when I speak of all of the blessings we have in our life and how much we need to share those blessings with others. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
As a member of the United States Air Force, I was very happy to be able to share a bit of my service's history with our girls. As a mom, I hope they understand a bit more when I speak of all of the blessings we have in our life and how much we need to share those blessings with others. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
March 26, 2018
A true story about a little girl during the Berlin Airlift and how she came to befriend the Chocolate Pilot who rained candy down from the sky.
Ages: 4 - 9
#postworldwar2 #germany
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 4 - 9
#postworldwar2 #germany
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
April 26, 2008
A beautifully written and illustrated childrens' book. "The Berlin Airlift of 1948-1949 is still one of the greatest humanitarian missions the world has ever known. Like a great sky bridge, airplanes flew 24 hours a day, three minutes apart, to feed 2.2 million people for 15 desperate months." My dear friend Ingrid lent me the book who was there and lived through the war and the after effects of it. I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2009
Raven, M.T. (2002). Mercedes and the chocolate pilot: A true story of the Berlin airlift and the candy that dropped from the sky. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press.
Summary:
Seven year-old Mercedes Simon is a young girl living in West Berlin with her mother, three years after WWII ended. In 1948 Josef Stalin blockaded the routes to West Berlin and the people there had little or no access to food or supplies. This book is about how Mercedes learned that there was an American pilot nicknamed the “Chocolate Pilot” (Lt. Gail Halvorsen) who bravely flew in candy and chocolate to the West Berliners and how she contacted him so she could receive some to keep her spirits up in an uncertain and dangerous time.
The book includes two pages about “The Berlin Airlift” prior to the story, an Epilogue about the “Chocolate Pilot” and Mercedes, and a page about Lt. Halvorsen’s missions to and from Berlin while he was in service.
Reviews/Awards:
School Library Journal 8/1/2002
Booklist 7/1/2002
ForeWord Magazine 7/1/2002
Kirkus Review 6/1/2002
Publisher's Weekly 4/15/2002
Children's Choices, International Reading Association, 2003
Jr. Picture Book Award, 2005 Nominee
Children's Crown Honor Book, 2005
Storytelling World Resource Award Winner- Stories for Young Listeners, 2007
Curriculum Connection:
Students can re-enact this story by creating Venn diagrams or dioramas, learning new vocabulary and geography, writing letters of their own. Hershey Kisses are dropped (attached to parachutes- like in the story) from a rented helicopter, as the school chants “U-S-A”. Idea borrowed from Children’s Literature in Action by Sylvia M. Vardell, pgs. 178-179.
Grades: 3-5
Summary:
Seven year-old Mercedes Simon is a young girl living in West Berlin with her mother, three years after WWII ended. In 1948 Josef Stalin blockaded the routes to West Berlin and the people there had little or no access to food or supplies. This book is about how Mercedes learned that there was an American pilot nicknamed the “Chocolate Pilot” (Lt. Gail Halvorsen) who bravely flew in candy and chocolate to the West Berliners and how she contacted him so she could receive some to keep her spirits up in an uncertain and dangerous time.
The book includes two pages about “The Berlin Airlift” prior to the story, an Epilogue about the “Chocolate Pilot” and Mercedes, and a page about Lt. Halvorsen’s missions to and from Berlin while he was in service.
Reviews/Awards:
School Library Journal 8/1/2002
Booklist 7/1/2002
ForeWord Magazine 7/1/2002
Kirkus Review 6/1/2002
Publisher's Weekly 4/15/2002
Children's Choices, International Reading Association, 2003
Jr. Picture Book Award, 2005 Nominee
Children's Crown Honor Book, 2005
Storytelling World Resource Award Winner- Stories for Young Listeners, 2007
Curriculum Connection:
Students can re-enact this story by creating Venn diagrams or dioramas, learning new vocabulary and geography, writing letters of their own. Hershey Kisses are dropped (attached to parachutes- like in the story) from a rented helicopter, as the school chants “U-S-A”. Idea borrowed from Children’s Literature in Action by Sylvia M. Vardell, pgs. 178-179.
Grades: 3-5
September 19, 2011
I loved this picture book by Margot Theis Raven. I did not know a lot about the Berlin Airlift before reading this story. It was amazing to read about what the people of West Berlin had to go through in 1948. I did not realize how much work pilots had to do in order to get food to the people in the Airlift. This story made me think how lucky I am able to get food any time I am hungry without having to wait.
It was sad to read how this poor little girl had to live. It was incredible how happy a couple of pieces of candy made the children of West Berlin. It is amazing how brave and caring one pilot was during this time. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age. The story was so sweet that I almost cry a couple of times.
The illustrations by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen were wonderful. They made me even more interested in the characters and the plot. It was sad when the story ended. I wanted to know even more about what was happening. I did not realize how good a story a picture book could be until I read Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot.
It was sad to read how this poor little girl had to live. It was incredible how happy a couple of pieces of candy made the children of West Berlin. It is amazing how brave and caring one pilot was during this time. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age. The story was so sweet that I almost cry a couple of times.
The illustrations by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen were wonderful. They made me even more interested in the characters and the plot. It was sad when the story ended. I wanted to know even more about what was happening. I did not realize how good a story a picture book could be until I read Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot.
March 28, 2011
The best part of this book is that it is true. It was fun for me to read, because I've already read about the Chocolate Pilot, aka the Candy Bomber. The pictures are great, and really filled in a lot of people who haven't seen a bombed city. It is one thing to read about a bomb-riddled apartment house, and another thing to actually see what it looks like to walk down the street in such a city.
I wouldn't recommend the book for a preschooler. Not that there is anything scary or inappropriate, but because there are a lot of words per page, and there is so much background history to explain before a kid can appreciate the story. The book includes a page giving the background history, but there are no pictures. My preschooler just did not understand. My fourth grader, however, had a lot of questions and was ready for the answers.
I wouldn't recommend the book for a preschooler. Not that there is anything scary or inappropriate, but because there are a lot of words per page, and there is so much background history to explain before a kid can appreciate the story. The book includes a page giving the background history, but there are no pictures. My preschooler just did not understand. My fourth grader, however, had a lot of questions and was ready for the answers.
November 12, 2010
I love the story of the Berlin Airlift and have read several books about it in the past few months. Here is another wonderful book with beautiful illustrations. Geared towards a younger child, I will add this book to my picture book collection.
Why I picked it up: I love Evergreen, if my library doesn't have the book, I can have it shipped from another library!
Why I finished it: I needed to stop crying at my desk, what if a patron caught me? or worse my boss?
Who I would recommend it to: Anyone with small children.
Why I picked it up: I love Evergreen, if my library doesn't have the book, I can have it shipped from another library!
Why I finished it: I needed to stop crying at my desk, what if a patron caught me? or worse my boss?
Who I would recommend it to: Anyone with small children.
November 16, 2015
I was very touched by this beautiful, true story of Gail Halvorsen who dropped chocolate and candy for the children of East Berlin in 1948. I loved reading of Mercedes and how Gail read the letters and often responded to the letters these children wrote to him. I loved reading of the impact these simple acts would have on Gail and Mercedes' lives in the future. I will admit that I got choked up reading this story. It was beautifully told and beautifully illustrated. I love finding people who did small, courageous acts of goodness in dark times in history.
June 12, 2021
I already love the story of "candy bomber" Gail Halvorsen. This book was a beautiful telling of the story from the perspective of Mercedes, one of the children of Berlin at the time. I loved the inclusion of some background at the beginning of the book, and the follow up with a surprise at the end of the book, as well as learning more about what happened with Halvorsen after his tour of duty during the airlifts was over. Very touching book that I enjoyed as much as my 11-year-old daughter.
*update
Just read this again with my 7-year-olds, who also loved it.
*update
Just read this again with my 7-year-olds, who also loved it.
February 22, 2011
What a 'sweet' story that is hardly ever told. Great illustrations, great story. Would use when talking about the state of the UK in the beginning of WWII and the Blitz. Good to help them think about the little things that they appreciated becuase of all the war the took from them that we may take for granted.
December 6, 2018
History, chocolate, and chickens, who could ask for anything more? Although I thought there would be a pilot made out of chocolate. The book is slow going at first and it could have been more firmly impressed on the reader why the chocolate was such a big deal. You don't quite get it till the book is mostly over. This is a book about the long-lasting effects of 'small' actions.
October 22, 2016
Beautiful true story. This is exactly the kind of biographies that I love reading aloud to my children. The ending is special. The illustrations are not my favorite style, but they are not distracting, hence the 4 star.
August 17, 2015
Wonderful read. Helped to show my kids the after effects of WWII.
September 2, 2019
Oh my! Such a Chocolatey-sweet little book! A true story of the Berlin Airlift, and candy that dropped from the Sky. Describing the premises of a war-torn Berlin in 1948, and stricken by Joseph Stalin’s try to take all of Germany and ultimately all of Europe under his communist rule, the roads and railways were blocked, so American Airforce had to drop tons of food, and other necessities for the people of Berlin for 15 hard months. Among the airlifts, a young Lieutenant; came to known as Chocolate Pilot began to drop Candy and chocolates for children, bound by little handkerchief parachutes; not only giving them nourishment, but also gave them a reason, a hope for a better world
This is the true story of a seven year old girl Mercedes, her letter to the Chocolate Pilot, and the amazing chocolates she received from the pilot afterwards. This little sweet story filled my heart with so much warmth, and left me in tears. I wouldn’t have come to know about this event in history, If I hadn’t grabbed this book.
The illustrations are awe-inspiring, and the book is an absolute heart-warming package! ❤️🍭
This is the true story of a seven year old girl Mercedes, her letter to the Chocolate Pilot, and the amazing chocolates she received from the pilot afterwards. This little sweet story filled my heart with so much warmth, and left me in tears. I wouldn’t have come to know about this event in history, If I hadn’t grabbed this book.
The illustrations are awe-inspiring, and the book is an absolute heart-warming package! ❤️🍭
July 6, 2021
Tears in my eyes!
Didn't know about the humanitarian mission "the Berlin airlift" during WWII, this little but so powerful book was a real enlightener!
This upheaval world needs more angelic personas like Gail Halvorsen,the Mercedeses around the world need more compassion 🧡
Didn't know about the humanitarian mission "the Berlin airlift" during WWII, this little but so powerful book was a real enlightener!
This upheaval world needs more angelic personas like Gail Halvorsen,the Mercedeses around the world need more compassion 🧡
August 8, 2021
Well I wasn't expecting to cry at a children's book today.....but I did.
This was such a sweet and touching story!
This was such a sweet and touching story!
September 26, 2023
True story of the Chocolate Bomber! I’ve always loved the story and am glad I finally got to read this version of his story!
November 14, 2018
Loved this book! The illustrations are beautiful! The story is true and endears us to a period of time in the history of Germany after WWII.
August 1, 2016
Life was grim in 1948 West Berlin, Germany. Josef Stalin blockaded all ground routes coming in and out of Berlin to cut off West Berliners from all food and essential supplies. Without outside help, over 2.2 million people would die. Thus began the Berlin Airlift, a humanitarian rescue mission that utilized British and American airplanes and pilots to fly in needed supplies. As one of the American pilots participating in the Airlift mission, Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen helped to provide not only nourishment to the children but also gave them a reason to hope for a better world. From one thoughtful, generous act came a lifelong relationship between Lt. Gail and the children of Berlin. This is the true story of a seven-year-old girl named Mercedes who lived in West Berlin during the Airlift and of the American who came to be known as the Chocolate Pilot. Artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen's evocative paintings illuminate Margot Theis Raven's powerful story of hope, friendship and remembrance.
Award: Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 2003-2004.
Subject: Air pilots, Military -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Girls -- Germany -- Berlin -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Subject:
Halvorsen, Gail S.-Juvenile literature.
Simon, Mercedes-Juvenile literature.
Corporate Subject: United States. Air Force. Military Airlift Command -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Geographic Term:
Berlin (Germany) -- History -- Blockade, 1948-1949 -- Juvenile literature.
Award: Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List, 2003-2004.
Subject: Air pilots, Military -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Girls -- Germany -- Berlin -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Subject:
Halvorsen, Gail S.-Juvenile literature.
Simon, Mercedes-Juvenile literature.
Corporate Subject: United States. Air Force. Military Airlift Command -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Geographic Term:
Berlin (Germany) -- History -- Blockade, 1948-1949 -- Juvenile literature.
Read
February 21, 2016Beautiful book. Could be boring for students if not hyped up by the teacher. Excellent for helping students get a grasp on the complexity of war and what happens after a war. There are so many details about WWII that the big picture may be lost when teaching a class about it. I think narrowing on one detail, like this book does, promotes a deeper understanding of the situtation than a shallow sweep of all the details of the war. (I actually had no idea that Stalin even tried to take over all of Berlin after the war before reading this book). The perspective, curiosity and empathy promoted by this book could prime young students for better learning experience with WWII in their future classes.
This book helps develop empathy for those caught up in war. I think this book would be interesting to bring out during or after learning about the Holocaust. Children are quick to see things as black and white, and view all the Christian Germans as evil after learning about their treatment of Jewish people in their country. This book shows that all civilians suffer from war, even if they are not being targeted.
This book could also prompt good discussion when the teacher raises the question of why the chocolate pilot was so kind when he did not have to be. Children could come to construct the idea that kindness is its own reward, and maybe find ways they can be more kind and generous in their own lives, and see if they enjoyed the experience like the chocolate pilot did.
This book helps develop empathy for those caught up in war. I think this book would be interesting to bring out during or after learning about the Holocaust. Children are quick to see things as black and white, and view all the Christian Germans as evil after learning about their treatment of Jewish people in their country. This book shows that all civilians suffer from war, even if they are not being targeted.
This book could also prompt good discussion when the teacher raises the question of why the chocolate pilot was so kind when he did not have to be. Children could come to construct the idea that kindness is its own reward, and maybe find ways they can be more kind and generous in their own lives, and see if they enjoyed the experience like the chocolate pilot did.
January 22, 2011
I was introduced to this through our book club by a woman who is from Eastern Germany, served a mission in the mission office in Western Berlin, and because of an uncle who lived in Californa was privileged to come to America. She received a dress from Hurricane with Carroll Heaton's name and address in the pocket. Through that contact, she came to Hurricane and stayed. (story is very much shortened!) Now she is in our ward, and married to an old friend of my father-in-law. To hear her read this book to us with tears streaming down her face, remembering the generosity of American pilots, and basking in the freedom she has now, was, to say the least, a memorable experience. I came right home and ordered the book myself, as well as one written by the original Mr. Wiggly Wings, Gail Halverson (LDS). He truly gave the children hope in the future through chocolate and other goodies. (Now I know another reason chocolate is so good!!)
October 13, 2011
This is a true story about a American pilot named Col. Gail S. Halvorson USAF and a little German girl named Mercedes Wild.
World War II has ended and the four allies, Russia, Great Britain, France and the United States all controlled parts of Berlin. Russia controlled East Berlin, while the three remaining countries controlled the three sectors of West Berlin. On June 24th, 1948 Stalin tried to take over control of all of Berlin, thereby creating a blockade of West Berlin by cutting off all routes to the city. The Allies did not want to start World War three and so they created a sky bridge and flew supplies day and night into West Berlin, known as The Berlin Airlift.
Mercedes is seven years old and lives in a bombed out section of West Berlin. Airplanes continuously roared overhead and her chickens were so scared they wouldn't lay the eggs her family desperately needed. The planes rained down supplies, like flour, clothing, coal and candy.
World War II has ended and the four allies, Russia, Great Britain, France and the United States all controlled parts of Berlin. Russia controlled East Berlin, while the three remaining countries controlled the three sectors of West Berlin. On June 24th, 1948 Stalin tried to take over control of all of Berlin, thereby creating a blockade of West Berlin by cutting off all routes to the city. The Allies did not want to start World War three and so they created a sky bridge and flew supplies day and night into West Berlin, known as The Berlin Airlift.
Mercedes is seven years old and lives in a bombed out section of West Berlin. Airplanes continuously roared overhead and her chickens were so scared they wouldn't lay the eggs her family desperately needed. The planes rained down supplies, like flour, clothing, coal and candy.
November 18, 2016
A touching true story of Mercedes Simon, a young German girl, and her friend Gail Halvorsen, an american pilot. Together they bring joy, and love to the children and families of West Berlin by dropping candy-filled parachutes during the Airlifts of World War II.
As a reader it was very easy to fall in love with such a wonderful true story. It's hard to even imagine how much these small acts of kindness meant to these children. I love anything World War II related, even if it brings me to tears at time, like this book did.
I believe that this book might be a difficult read for certain clients in a therapy session. It would probably be best to give to an older client. One who could understand the emotions that these characters feel.
As a reader it was very easy to fall in love with such a wonderful true story. It's hard to even imagine how much these small acts of kindness meant to these children. I love anything World War II related, even if it brings me to tears at time, like this book did.
I believe that this book might be a difficult read for certain clients in a therapy session. It would probably be best to give to an older client. One who could understand the emotions that these characters feel.
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