Hand in Hand

by Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum

Separated from her family Ruthi struggles to find hope in this age-appropriate story of love and loss that gently introduces themes of the Holocaust to young children.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2019

Reviews

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a story about the Holocaust for young readers is a daunting task, and author Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum does an incredible job in this book of balancing the overwhelming sadness and horror of what happened, with the small but meaningful kindnesses and relatable hope of the human spirit. 7 year-old Ruthi (shown as a rabbit) lives in an idyllic world with her mom and younger brother Leib, until soldiers arrive and one day her mother never returns home. Ruthi and Leib are taken to an orphanage and separated when Leib gets adopted. Ruthi's life begins anew when she sails to a new country, but her heart will never let go of the love she has for Leib. They meet again years later, with different lives but still connected. Maya Shleifer's illustrations perfectly convey the feelings of love, family, worry, loneliness, and hope of Ruthi's experiences. A memorable book for any parent or teacher who wants to talk to children about the Holocaust, as well as the forced separation of families that are currently in effect.

[Gina Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book about the Holocaust from the perspective of siblings. The artwork is absolutely breathtaking - from the sweetness of the rabbit children, to their lush, wild homeland, to the darkness of isolation and that one heartbreaking spread where the children are 'placed like boxes'. The beauty of the art perfectly matches the poetic words that put us square in the main character's heart. Not to be missed.

[Diana Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn't often that a picture book makes me cry. But this is one of those books. It's absolutely beautifully written: "Mama had a smile sweeter than strawberries in summer." And the illustrations match perfectly. What an endeavor to write about an event such as the Holocaust in a way that is simple enough for children to understand, and yet captures the depth of the impact (in such a personal way), and shows the beauty of human resilience and family love. This book is a treasure.

[Chana Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing books for children about difficult subjects is never easy, but Andria Rosenbaum has managed to create a beautiful, moving, and memorable story for children about siblings separated during the Holocaust. The main characters are portrayed as rabbits, which may lend the story a lighter touch, yet the messages about love, separation, resilience and hope pack an emotional punch. Gorgeous illustrations by Maya Shleifer blend perfectly with Rosenbaum’s powerful prose. Nazis are portrayed by their “brutish boots." As Rosenbaum writes, “They hovered over our heads like storm clouds threatening to burst.” Readers will connect with the story told in first person by Ruthi, the older sister of Leib, as their mother disappears and they are sent to an orphanage. The siblings are then separated when a family adopts Leib. Will they ever see each other again? Teachers and parents will see many opportunities for discussion about oppression, war, refugees, and the separation of families--lessons that unfortunately are still too relevant today. In one scene, the mother says, “Sometimes walls rise up. Still there is always a way...forward.” Ultimately, love, hope, and the human spirit prevail.

[Jodi McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, yet beautiful and hopeful at the same time. This book gently shares the tragedy of the Holocaust as well as the resilience of the survivors in a way that is impactful and loving. Told from the perspective of siblings who endured loss, then separation, and eventually reunion, this is a story that depicts a strong theme of hope and is expressed brilliantly by Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... this picture book brought tears to my eyes. A book about the devastations of war and impacts it has on children. It will drop kick you in the feels. Beautiful work

[Eileen Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, important and haunting - Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum's new picture book tells the story of sister Ruthi and younger brother Leib's struggles, survival and separation during the Holocaust. This tender telling of what some children encountered during this horrific period in our world history is an important addition to books about the Holocaust and Hitler's reign. Illustrated by Maya Schleifer, the appropriately colorful and sometimes somber art showcases the emotional upheaval and devastation young Jewish children encountered at that time. This book serves as a great conversation starter. Prompted by the Rosenbaum's prose and Schleifer's illustrations, young listeners may be able to ask important questions about what happened to Ruthi and Leib's family, what type of struggles they encountered, why they were separated, and how they survived. This is an important and powerful picture book, indeed.

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful and moving book deals with the Holocaust, a hard topic to tackle. But Andria Rosenbaum does so in a way that is accessible to children. Although sad, readers will find hope in this story of Ruthi and Lieb, siblings separated during war who never lose the connection they have with each other. The illustrations are stunning and perfectly complement the text (the characters are rendered as rabbits, which makes it easier for all children to relate to the story). Anyone who struggles with separation in any form will relate to this book, and it will be a valuable resource for schools and libraries as well. A must read.

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes along that touches your heart in ways that are difficult to quantify. HAND IN HAND is one of those books. I cried my way through this beautiful, heart-wrenching, unbelievably evocative book. The language and images work together in the most powerful of ways. The important, critical, and painful content is written in a way that children can digest. I applaud Andria and Maya for writing this absolutely exquisite and vital book. This book needs to be in every home and every classroom in the world.

[Jenna Grodzicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andria Rosenbaum has taken a difficult topic, The Holocaust, and written a story about it in a way that is accessible to young readers. The underlying theme of hope helps to offset the sadness. This important book can be used as a way to start a discussion about World War II and The Holocaust in an age appropriate way.

[Corey Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of heartbreak, hope and the triumph of the human spirit. I was moved to tears.

[Della Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosenbaum writes a moving and important story of two children separated during the Holocaust who, because of their strong childhood bond, reunite much later in life. The characters are portrayed as rabbits, which may soften the impact for children. HAND IN HAND presents a cascade of emotions with plenty of opportunity for further discussion.

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Rosenbaum's powerful book handles a difficult period in history gently, respectfully, and truthfully. Hand in Hand would provide a sensitive introduction to a unit on the Holocaust, a hopeful, comforting companion to Terrible Things by Eve Bunting. Also wonderful to help children deal with separation and loss.