For many of us with children, nephews, nieces, godsons and goddaughters or who just indeed love beautifully illustrated books, will, no doubt, have heard of Judith Kerr and her books. Kerr's stories include the Mog series about a beloved family cat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, published in 1968 and the mainstay of many a Children's section. In our store this was an 'A-Core Stock' title. It belonged to that important group of books that must be kept in quantities of 5, and were always face-out on the shelf.

Read my Review of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

The reason it was an A-Core stock title, was because it was a constant bestseller throughout the year. Titles came and went, as fashions faded but somehow The Tiger Who Came to Tea was always kept face-out and in a decent quantity. An orange slightly trippy tiger staring out at us from the shelf.

Today's review is also by Judith Kerr, and is the first in a series of books for children and young adults based on Judith Kerr's early life. Judith grew up in Berlin, her father a writer, Jew and fierce critic of the new Nazi regime swiftly rising to power. In 1933, when it became clear that the Nazi's were going to win the country's election, Alfred Kerr took the difficult decision to flee the country by himself before sending for his family.

Judith has based the story of Anna, the heroine of the novel on her own experiences growing up. We witness the Nazi rise to power, Anna's father forced to flee to Switzerland when the election is won tipped off by a friend that officials would be arriving the following day to confiscate his passport.

What then follows is the life of a refugee through a child's eyes as the family move first to Switzerland, then to Paris and eventually to London. On the whole, it is a very joyous book, strangely. Anna sees everything as a big adventure, the term refugee synonymous with adventurer. The journeys are difficult, and somehow Kerr is able to convey through Anna's eyes, the adults' desperation to flee in order to be safe. Anna knows her parents are anxious, but is unclear why.

The majority of the book takes place in Switzerland where the family first flee, and it seems idyllic as they all stay in an Inn in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Anna and her brother become friends with the local children, playing games and challenging themselves to learn the language and keep up with lessons. But a visit one day from a German family who refuse to let their children play with Anna and her brother Max lead to some difficult questions. It is a dark spot in an otherwise sunny picture and it becomes apparent that more threats will follow.

The family are kept up to date by Onkel Julius whom Anna has a particular bond with, having a shared love of the zoo. There are conversations behind doors, whispered and secretive and eventually a decision to move to Paris.

Throughout each move, Anna and Max learn new languages, make new friends and adapt. Adapt to each new situation coming their way as though it is a great adventure. Somehow this seeks to make the book more poignant. You could be reading a great adventure story of travellers and distant lands. But this is juxtaposed as the children encounter bigotry, and the growing threat from spreading Nazism. At the end, as the family start their next journey to London, we are left with the thought of what might have been i Judith/Anna's father had not chosen to flee on that particular day, he would never have been allowed to leave Germany. We know what happened next, and the appalling outcome that must never be allowed to happen again.

In 2012, Judith Kerr was awarded the OBE for services to literature and holocaust education and this is very well-deserved. It's communicated beautifully in this novel, which at times is great fun, at times poignant and extremely moving. But in no way is it depressing, instead believable as being written by a child, living in dark times, who is fiercely protected by her loving parents. This is an excellent read.

There are 3 in the series, the next book being Bombs on Aunt Dainty and a follow up to this called A Small Person Far Away.

I will be back very soon with more book reviews for you. I have found another #12booksofchristmas book and currently on my nightstand is the latest Jilly Cooper.

Have a great week!