About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask complex questions about the nature of freedom, the cost of war, or why bad things happen to innocent people. Sonya Hartnett uses a haunting, lyrical fable to explore the internal lives of two Romany brothers fleeing a Nazi attack. It is a sophisticated story that balances the harsh realities of history with the magical, philosophical conversations between the children and the animals they find in a bombed-out zoo. While the setting is World War II, the heart of the book is about finding hope and a sense of self when your world has been destroyed. It is ideal for mature middle-grade readers who appreciate deep metaphors and atmospheric storytelling. It provides a safe, slightly distanced way to discuss displacement and resilience, making it a beautiful choice for families looking to bridge the gap between historical facts and emotional truth.
