Honey Cake
- Publisher
- Tradewind Books
- Initial publish date
- Jan 2007
- Category
- Europe, Jewish
- Recommended Age
- 9 to 12
- Recommended Grade
- 4 to 7
- Recommended Reading age
- 9 to 12
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781896580371
- Publish Date
- Jan 2007
- List Price
- $18.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
For David Nathan, Copenhagen is the most beautiful city in the world. Even Nazis in the street can’t make Copenhagen ugly. But life has changed since the soldiers arrived. His parents are always worried. And his older sister goes to school early and comes home late. Sometimes she doesn’t come home at all! David’s father is a baker, and since the war began, butter and cream are very hard to find. So David is amazed when his father makes a “special order” of cream-filled chocolate éclairs. But when no one comes to pick up the éclairs, David is asked to run a very special errand. It’s an errand that will change his life . . . forever.
About the authors
Joan Betty Stuchner has a head full of stories. Instead of playing the fiddle, she plays with words; on stage and on television, with students in a classroom, in poems and stories—which includes her book A Peanut Butter Waltz. She lives with her husband and son in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Richard Row was not born with the ability to draw; he watched carefully, then practiced, practiced, practiced! He worked as a commerical artist for many years, then moved to books, illustrating versions of Anne of Green Gables and Heidi. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and three children.
Joan Betty Stuchner's profile page
Cynthia Nugent
is a nationally recognized and award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Her first book, Mister Got to Go, is now considered a Canadian classic. All of her books have been on the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Our Choice lists. She also makes book trailers and apps and has animated several Tradewind titles. Cynthia lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her Yorkshire terrier Emma.
More information is available at www.cynthianugent.com.
Librarian Reviews
Honey Cake
In late September 1943, the Danish authorities learnt that the Germans were about to deport the Jews of Denmark to concentration camps. Very quickly, the Danish people arranged a fleet of fishing boats to carry all teh Jews to Sweden. This historical event is brought to life through the eyes of David Nathan, whose family is rescued by his courageous Christian friend Else Jensen and her family. This is a tale of friendship, honour and bravery, when all Danes dreamt of one thing only: the sweet taste of freedom.This short book presents an interesting and heartfelt perspective on the events of World War II and can be shared with developing novel readers as a good example of historical fiction. It is the story of a special friendship between a boy and girl, and a story of honour and pride in times of adversity. Students will be heartened by the bravery of David Nathan, a Danish Jew, who is sent on a special mission to distract the Nazi soldiers
Source: Association of Canadian Publishers. Top Grade Selection 2016.
Honey Cake
Honey cake is a treat baked once a year by nine-year-old David’s mama, even though his papa is a respected baker in Copenhagen. For their Jewish family, the cake helps to welcome a “sweet New Year” at Rosh Hashanah. In this short, historical-fiction, novel based on the Nazi occupation of Denmark from 1940-1943, the honey cake also comes to symbolize “the sweet taste of freedom” for the many Jews who escaped to Sweden in fishing boats thanks to the non-Jewish Danish people. One day, David must unexpectedly assist his older sister’s courageous Resistance work. This book is enhanced by an afterword explaining the Danish Resistance movement, a honey cake recipe and letters between David and his best friend.The author and illustrator both live in Vancouver. Cynthia Nugent is the award-winning illustrator of Mr. Got To Goby Lois Simmie.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2007-2008.
The simple plot is appropriate for a younger reader’s glimpse at a very difficult period and the black-and-white illustrations of Cynthia Nugent capture perfectly both the tensions of the characters and their joy. Her drawing of the comic silliness of the goose-stepping children behind the Nazi soldiers acts as a perfect foil to the story’s dialogue of parental concern for their safety. Unfortunately, the book lacks cover appeal for the age group.
Each year, at my school, we tell the story of the brave Danes and their King using the picture book The Yellow Star by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Henri Sørensen. This year we will certainly highlight Honey Cake as the perfect continuation to their study. With a recipe for honey cake included in the book and an afterword detailing more of the story, it’s certain to improve the students’ understanding of this time.
Source: The Canadian Children's Bookcentre. Fall 2008. Vol.31 No.4.
Honey Cake
It is 1943 in Copenhagen. Nazi soldiers roam the streets. Young David Nathan is asked to make a very special delivery, which will change his life forever. Based on historical events, this is a story of friendship, honour and bravery. Includes illustrations.Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. 2008.
