The Happiest Boy on Earth

This is a picture book adaptation of the book 'The Happiest Man on Earth.' The grandfather, Pépé, shares his story of growing up as a Jewish boy in wartime Germany. Firstly, he was sent away to school with a new name. On his return he finds his family has gone. Then he was captured and interred in a prison camp. Finally, he is released and begins a new journey.

Pépé talks of friendships, hardships and survival and he imparts words of wisdom about the value of kindness and equality.

The way in which the story is shared through questions from the children and responses from their grandfather breaks the intensity of the subject. It is sympathetically illustrated with muted colours but does not shy away from the details of the events. The story includes reference to Hitler and to death in camps in a restrained manner.

This may be a confronting topic for young readers so I would recommend it for older primary students.