I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker by Ala Bankroft, Michał Skibiński
Published by Prestel Junior on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 3791374869
Pages: 128
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Goodreads

A beautifully illustrated journal which follows an eight-year-old Polish boy at the start of WWII.  Young Michal wrote a short sentence for each entry,  some share his routine and mention family visits till eventually the start of the war in Warsaw.  Although short, it is possible to follow the progression of the changes to which families had to adapt.  As a child the author was unaware of the advance of the Germans but the movements of his father and grandparents signify the approaching danger. The illustrations are authentically Polish, the illustrator has captured the various locations and emotions of young Michal.  Each sentence contained in the journal is accompanied by a colorful painting, some depicting specific locations such as train stations and others of the weather and environment.  The final few pages express darkness in text and illustration as the war gets closer.

A lovely presentation which includes the original journal entries both in Polish and translated to English.  Young readers may prefer to read action filled historical fiction titles but this book will make an impression.   Librarians should consider adding this book to their WWII collections.  Art and history teachers of intermediate and middle school will find this an excellent addition to their classroom collections.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME