Un livre pour enfants loin de l’innocence dont on veut souvent les parer. Une histoire de survie dans le froid de l’hiver et de l’histoire, pas toujours réaliste et qui place une grande foi dans la bonté humaine (ou du moins de certains êtres humains).
On ne parle pas des causes de la guerre, on ne parle pas de religion, mais on vit les conséquences de cette guerre à hauteur d’enfant. Une bonne première approche de cette période historique pour des enfants de 10 à 12 ans, avec de préférence l’accompagnement d’un adulte pour remettre tout cela dans son contexte.

Based, amazingly, on the author's childhood experience of surviving on his own in a forest after escaping from a concentration camp at the age of 8. This book brings two very different young boys together in the woods during the last days of WWII, where they survive through summer, autumn, and a very hard winter because of their own efforts and the kindness of others. In between survival efforts (building a sleeping nest in the trees, searching for wild food, milking a wandering cow, and every few days collecting food secretly left by those who wish them well), the boys discuss the meaning of life and human interactions in a very 9 year old way and provide help to other refugees. I loved it. The illustrations are abundant and perfect for the book and the author's voice is true. ( )

Loved the autobiographical source for this book, and the amazing story of survival. Loved that the boys, who have almost nothing and are barely finding enough to eat in the forest, are nonetheless healing whoever they can and sharing all the water and food that comes their way. Astonishing, horrifying (that this happens to children in war zones), almost dreamily philosophical. Wonderful illustrations and pacing. ( )

This touching World War II story is about two 9 year old Jewish boys named Adam and Thomas. The two boys learn to survive together in the forest. Although they start off as acquaintances, they soon connect as friends and learn to depend on each other. They survive with the help of Adam's dog, Miro, and a brave girl named Mina. Mina takes the risk to secretly bring them food. The beautiful illustrations help bring the novel to life. This story was inspired by true events in the author's life. When Aharon Appelfeld was eight year's old he escaped a concentration camp in World War II. He lived in the forests for three years. ( )