Josephine Poole

This is a beautifully written story introducing us to Anne Frank’s childhood. I love this peak into her life as we get to know the writer behind the famed diary. I had never read a picture-book about Anne Frank before but loved the way it included all of the emotion one would expect from a book about Jews during World War II. The author thoughtfully details the type of person Anne was, as well as how life in Germany was progressing with the increasing popularity of Hitler and his Nazi show more campaign. In regard to hate and the way it was shaping Germany, this line stuck out to me: “the spark was to turn into flame, and the flame into a blaze that would consume the whole of Europe before it was put out.” It’s a powerful reminder of what hate can do that is still relevant in today’s society. The soft and somber illustrations accompany the text in such a lovely way. This book would be perfect for children to read before starting her diary and learning about the Holocaust. A compassionately told story of a girl whose “short life had come to an end, but her story was just beginning.” show less

Anne Frank, as told by Josephine Poole and illustrated by Angela Barrett, offers a poignant, touchingly rendered portrayal of Anne Frank's young life. Barrett's illustrations are intricately detailed and soft, highlighting the lightness of childhood in a way that is often overlooked when considering Anne Frank. Barrett's images also have a delicate, feminine quality about them as well, and many of the images have undertones of pinks and mauves. The illustrations become darker and more muted show more as the story progresses and Anne's own life becomes darker as well. I feel as though Barrett uses light as a symbol not only of happiness and innocence, but also as Anne's own spirit. Images of her early childhood are particularly colorful and bright, contrasted with the darker pictures of Nazis and Anne in hiding. However, even in the darkest moments, when Anne is hiding in the attic with Peter or being escorted out of hiding by Nazi officials, she herself is light. Also, the final illustration, which shows Miep Gies handing Otto Frank his daughter's diary after the war, Mr. Frank's dark figure is contrasted by the light green of leaves in the window, sunlight streaming in on the sill. I almost see this picture as the hope and vitality of Anne's spirit in the diary, and of her legacy changing lives long after her death.

Josephine Poole's accompanying text complements the illustrations, sharing Anne's story with young readers in such a way as not to compromise the severity of her loss while maintaining an age-appropriate story for young readers. Instead of emphasizing the horrors of the Holocaust, Poole uses Anne's acute emotions to share the experience with children, such as Anne's ostracism in school and her final goodbye with her cat. Poole and Barrett present the joy and sadness in Anne's life, the struggle and persecution of the Jews, but also the happiness of childhood and friendship, even in dark times. show less

The story of Anne Frank will never have a happy ending. However, I believe that this author did a good job at portraying Anne’s life in a way that could be understood and appreciated by children, because I know I enjoyed the craftsmanship of this particular biography. The language the author used was so captivating throughout the entire story. When she compared Anne and Peter’s love to being “as sweet, and as fragile, as the flowers on the chestnut tree outside the window,” I got show more such a clear understanding of the state Anne Frank was in. The author’s language had a way of grabbing my attention, and keeping it for the entire story. The beautiful illustrations were dark, and nobody smiled, but they did a good job of giving off a certain mood that could make anybody feel gloomy. Another characteristic I liked about this book was the history portion. The author gave some background information about what was going on in Germany in this time period, to help the reader understand clearly. The main purpose of this book was to inform readers about the life of Anne Frank, and this author did a good job at getting the facts through while also drawing readers in emotionally. show less

Anne Frank by Josephine Poole is a biography picture book and is also very informational, while also heart-wrenching. This picture book starts off during Anne Frank's childhood, telling her story until she is taken to a concentration camp. The illustrations in this book start off colorful and bright, but with every turn of the page it gets darker and darker. This is a picture book is a great way for children who are just learning about World War II, because it gives a good depiction of life show more then, without being super dark and gory. show less