Picture books transport kids back in time

How do you teach children a Holocaust lesson without frightening them, or bring to life turn-of-the-century New York City to a 21st century child? Reaching back even further, can the vibrancy of 19th-century Eastern European klezmer musicians be conveyed to a generation plugged in to their music?

Let's face it, history can be a turnoff if there's no connection.

That's when a good, old-fashioned picture book comes in handy, and a new crop of three for grade-schoolers helps lead the way to days gone by.

"Willy & Max: A Holocaust Story" tells how the Nazi invasion changed life for two boys. Author Amy Littlesugar gently unfolds the plot through the lens of two boys' friendship. Her story is exquisitely complemented by William Low's rich illustrations, which evoke emotional warmth and drama.

Willy and Max meet at Willy's father's antique shop in Antwerp, Belgium; Max's dad, Professor Solomon, sees a painting in the window and decides to purchase it. While the transaction is taking place, the shy boys begin to talk. Willy learns that Max lives in the Jewish quarter, a place he's never been.

The boys become fast friends; "You're like family to us, Willy," Professor Solomon tells him one night at Shabbos dinner.

But when the Nazis storm into town, life changes precipitously for both boys and their loved ones. One night, the Solomons sneak over to Willy's house to say goodbye before slipping out of the country. Professor Solomon presses the rolled-up painting he'd bought into Willy's dad's hands for safekeeping, though the Nazis follow up with a thorough search. And the boys? They never set eyes on each other again.

The painting, however, will eventually bring relatives of the two families together in America. The subplot here is looted art — and it's one of many topics that could be broached, adult to child, after reading this bittersweet saga.

"A Nickel, a Trolley, a Treasure House" transports the reader to early 20th-century New York City. Lionel, 9, whose family emigrated from Poland, lives in a tiny apartment in the Lower East Side. While his brothers spend their spare time delivering dresses for his mama's business, selling hot chestnuts on the street and shining shoes, Lionel spends his free time sketching.

His parents think it an odd habit he will outgrow.

But when Lionel shows his special drawings to his teacher, Miss Morrissey, she surprises him by planning an afternoon outing for just the two of them: They will take the trolley to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nervous and excited, Lionel has no idea what to expect. He has never ridden a trolley nor ventured beyond the safe confines of his immediate neighborhood. And what is a museum?

This sweet story is based on author Sharon Reiss Baker's own family history. Her grandfather, Lionel, was an artist in New York City whose life changed after his teacher took him by trolley — paying his nickel fare — to the Met.

The captivating illustrations by Beth Peck are almost impressionistic and do justice to an era long gone by.

"Mendel's Accordion," though simpler than the other two books, also does a nice job of highlighting a way of life that has long disappeared.

Mendel lives in the small village of Melnitze, and though he doesn't have much to his name, he does own an accordion, which he loves to play. Traveling from village to village, Mendel attracts an ensemble of musicians — Yankele the fiddler, Herschel the clarinetist, Hymie the drummer, and two others — who become known as the "klezmorim."

Author Heidi Smith Hyde sets the mood: "They played at weddings and festivals and fairs. They played happy music. They played sad music. People laughed. People cried. The village was alive with the sounds of the klezmorim."

But when the village falls on hard times and hunger is rampant, Mendel the musician leaves for America. He starts a new life in New York, but not without his accordion.

The story ends on a happily-ever-after note — when Mendel's great-grandson finds a dusty old accordion in the attic, he continues the tradition.

Again, the art suits the story. Johanna Van Der Sterrs's upbeat illustrations capture the dress, way of life and expressions of another time.




"Mendel's Accordion" by Heidi Smith Hyde (32 pages, Kar-Ben Publishing, $16.95).

"A Nickel, a Trolley, a Treasure House" by Sharon Reiss Baker (32 pages, Viking Juvenile,

$7.99 paper, $16.99 hardcover).

"Willy & Max" by Amy Littlesugar (40 pages, Philomel Books, $15.99).