Author: Anne Renaud
Illustrator: Richard Rudnicki
Genre: Children's Illustrated Book
Rating: 5 out of 5
This is such a small book. One with only a few pages and no one page is filled with words. And yet it is filled with so much emotion; from sadness and despair to hope and freedom.
I read the main story and wondered to myself two things:
- How could I ever read this bittersweet story to a child? And at what age would I be okay reading it to them?
- Is it truly possible that a tiny heart was created in a concentration camp?
While I still perhaps unsure of the answer to the first item, the answer to the second one truly astonished me. This is a TRUE STORY. While I was a bit choked up reading the story itself (as it's very moving) when I moved on to read the last pages that outline that Fania's Heart is a true story. Fania's Heart is a relic of Auschwitz that is in a museum in Montreal and was owned by a Jewish woman of 20 years old imprisoned there during WWII. She eventually came to Canada following the war which is how it came to be at a museum in Montreal.
I'm not a crier most days but this is an unbelievably moving story. The simplicity of it as a children's illustrated book is part of what makes it so moving, in my opinion. You don't need a lot of words or pictures to tell a story like this. You only need some symbolism, context and genuine truth.
Upon writing this and reflecting upon Fania's Heart I have decided that I would read this story to any child, of any age if they asked. Because at it's core this is a story of hope, courage and love. All wonderful things to teach our children of from any age. I encourage everyone to look for this story, even if only to leaf through it at your library and experience the story of Fania's Heart.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Stories that touch the hearts of children and adults alike are often the best stories. This sounds like such a story, I hope to read it some day.
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