The Spy in the Museum: How Rose Valland Saved Art from the Nazis
By (Author) Erin McGuire
Illustrated by Erin McGuire
Simon & Schuster
Beach Lane Books
11th November 2025
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Biography and autobiography
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Adventurers and outlaws
Childrens / Teenage general interest: History and the past
B
Hardback
40
Width 279mm, Height 203mm, Spine 3mm
This riveting picture book biography tells the true story of Rose Vallands valiant efforts to save thousands of works of art during World War II by becoming a spy in her own museum.
Rose Valland loved art. When the Nazis invaded Paris during World War II and took over her beloved museum, Rose could have fled. But who would save the artwork
So, Rose remained and saw how she was underestimated by the soldiers for being a quiet, unassuming woman. She knew it was the time to act. And Rose had a secret weapon: she could speak German. She listened, kept track of all the stolen art, and saved what she could. Rose became a spy. And in the end, she saved thousands of works of art.
Erin McGuire has illustrated many books for young readers, includingSleeping Beauty by Cynthia Rylant and her own The Spy in the Museum. She lives with her family near Raleigh, North Carolina, and you can visit her at EMcGuire.net.