Hitler's Canary

Hitler's Canary

Toksvig, Sandra

1596432470

Many books have been written about World War II involving the Nazi’s and the Jews. Sandi Toksvig’s novel, Hitler’s Canary adds a new, compelling voice to the genre. Bamse Skovlund is ten years old when the Nazi’s invade Denmark. The invasion is more of a quiet changing of the guard, there is no battle, no blood, and virtually no resistance. Bamse and most of his family become accustom to German soldiers in their native Copenhagen, believing like the rest of Denmark, that if they cooperate the Nazis will treat them fairly and not bother the Jews. Spanning the years from 1940 to1943 Bamse’s growth as a character is evident. At the onset of the occupation Bamse was hopeful that at least school would be cancelled or a few days missed. By the end of the novel, Bamse has learned what real fear is and is doing his part to fight the occupation.

The author paints the story with bits of humor that make the characters human and real. The humor helps to relive the burden of the character and the conscience of the reader. Adding to the uniqueness of the story, it is not divided by chapters, but by Acts and Scenes. This is because the Skovlunds are theater people earning their living working on or around the stage.

Kids who have read Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy, or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will find this book interesting and informative, filling out a more complete picture of the war in Europe.