Hitler's Canary

(Paperback)

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Description

An extraordinary story of immense courage and daring rescue, based on real-life events experienced by Sandi Toksvig's family during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in the Second World War. 1940. Copenagen, Denmark. The German troops have invaded. The Second World War rages on. Ten-year-old Bamse Skovlund and his best friend Anton have been ordered to stay out of trouble. It soon becomes clear that trouble isn't just going to pass any of them by. Jewish Danes are subject to appalling treatment by the German occupiers, and every day are at risk of being taken away to concentration camps in mainland Europe. The Skovlund family are determined to fight against Nazi occupation. And if this means participating in one of history's most dramatic rescue missions, then it's time to take a stand. A tale of courage and love in Nazi-occupied Denmark based on accounts from beloved author and comedian Sandi Toksvig's own family. The book is inspired by the stories he told to her by her father, Bamse.

Reviews

There are not many classic children's novels about the Second World War but this is one of them. Toksvig's enchanting and inspiring tale reminds us of how even the smallest people made a difference -- Amanda Craig * The Times *
There are several heart-stopping moments but overall the story is told with a light touch and many moments of humour * The Bookseller *
On the evidence of this warm and enlightening tale, Sandi Toksvig is as skilled at writing for children as she is for adults . . . Toksvig manages to lace the action with plenty of humour but without trivialising the momentous events * Waterstone's Books Quarterly *
A must-read for any pupil studying World War II and any pupil looking for a truly remarkable "real-life" story to inspire and delight * Teaching & Learning *
A suspenseful, humane story -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *

Author Bio

Following a first-class degree from Cambridge, Sandi Toksvig went into the theatre, where she both wrote and performed before becoming one of the founder members of the Comedy Store Players. She is well known for her television and radio work, as a presenter, writer and actor.