Parents' Guide to

Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport

By Susan Faust, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Moving true tale of Jewish children saved by one brave man.

Book Caren Stelson History 2023
Stars of the Night book cover: Children peer from a train car window under a starry sky as they pass homes

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What's the Story?

STARS OF THE NIGHT: THE COURAGEOUS CHILDREN OF THE CZECH KINDERTRANSPORT is a nonfiction picture book that recounts how Jewish children were sent to foster families in England after the Nazi takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1938. It's also the story of how one Englishman, Nicholas Winton, managed to orchestrate their escape and rescue. His role in saving so many children from the Holocaust was secret until 1988, when he was subsequently honored, especially by those he saved. Embedded in the story are themes of sacrifice and selflessness, love and loss, courage and resilience, and finally gratitude. Extensive back matter, including a detailed timeline plus author's and illustrator's notes, fills in facts and provides context.

Is It Any Good?

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This inspiring story rests on the seamless blend of dusky, dreamlike art and subdued storytelling to depict both horror and hope. In Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport, 669 Jewish children recall in collective voice their experiences and emotions as young refugees. The subject matter is difficult, but creators Caren Stelson and Selina Alko handle it with uncommon grace. The title alludes to the comforting words of one parent to her departing daughter: When lonely and homesick, "Let the stars of the night and sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love." Such poignant moments infuse this book. Another example: when Nicholas Winton is reunited with those he saved some 50 years before. Parents may wonder how and when to introduce their children to the harsh realities of history. This book can serve as a measured and moving introduction to the Holocaust for younger readers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the separation of children and parents described in Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport. How might the children have felt about being sent away from their parents for reasons they could not understand? How might the parents have felt? How does what happened make you feel?

  • Nicholas Winton showed compassion and courage in rescuing the Jewish children and humility in keeping his good work secret for so long. What do you think about his character? What kind of person was he?

  • As adults, the rescued children of the Kindertransport express gratitude to Nicholas Winton despite their great losses of homeland and family. In what ways are they grateful? What are you grateful for?

  • Jews living in Czechoslavakia before and during World War II were targets of anti-Semitism. Do you know of any situations today where prejudice is the cause of harassment, hate speech, persecution, or worse for any group of people?

  • How do you feel about the illustrations in this book? Do they add detail to the story? Do they fit the mood of the story?

Book Details

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