The Brave Princess and Me
Kathy Kacer, Author
Juliana Kolesova, Illustrator
Magination Press, Historical Fiction, Sep. 10, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 8 and up
Themes: Princess Alice of Greece, Deaf, WW II, Jewish Girl, Nazis, Compassion, Bravery
Opening: There once was a princess who lived in Greece. Her full name was Victoria Alice Elizabeth Julia Marie, but she was called Princess Alice. When she was young her family discovered that she was deaf.
Book Synopsis:
In 1943, the Second World War is raging, and the Nazi’s have taken control of most of Europe — including Athens, where Princess Alice of Greece lives. Princess Alice is kind and accepting of different types of people. Something the Nazis are not. Born deaf, she knows what it is like to be discriminated against.
With the arrival of the Nazis, all the Jews living in Greece are in danger, including young Tilde Cohen and her mother. On the run, they must find a safe place to hide. When they arrive unannounced, on Princess Alice’s doorstep and beg her to hide them, the princess’s kindness is put to the test. Will she risk her own life to save theirs?
Why I like this book:
I love true stories about women who were heroes during the war, without even realizing it. They did what they knew was morally right in their hearts with little thought of the consequences. Princess Alice’s story is engaging and will encourage readers to wonder if they had the courage to risk their lives to save someone. The illustrations are stunning and perfectly match the mood of the story.
Princess Alice’s story is narrated by Tilde Cohen. The narration is quite wordy, but it fits the period of the story beautifully. Readers will want to know the details. Tilde and her mother are given a two-room apartment with a small kitchen. Every afternoon Princess Alice has tea with them and they talk about happy times in Greece before the Nazis invade. Through Tilde we learn that the princess can read lips in three different languages, but keeps it a secret. Everyday the princess leaves to help feed the poor and visit the sick. When the stakes get high and two Nazi soldiers pound on the door and ask the princess if she’s hiding Jews, Princess Alice uses her deafness to trick the soldiers and make them think she’s not smart and can’t understand them.
Make sure you read the fascinating backmatter about Princess Alice’s life at the end of the book. She was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria, the mother of Prince Phillip (husband of Queen Elizabeth), grandmother to Prince Charles, and great grandmother of Princes William and Harry. The author includes photographs of Princess Alice — with additional surprises. There is also information about Tilde Cohen’s family.
Resources: Encourage children to interview their parents and grandparents and ask them about family history. Write or record the information. I remember my grandmother and great aunt writing me letters about growing up in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but I lost the letters. I know information, but it is the stories about their every day lives I wish I knew. Good family project.
Kathy Kacer is the author of numerous books that tell true stories of the Holocaust for young readers of all ages, including The Secret of Gabi’s Dress, The Magician of Auschwitz, and To Look a Nazi in the Eye. A former psychologist, Kathy has travelled the globe speaking to children and adults about the importance of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by the publisher.
I have heard of Princess Alice and I´m so glad to hear there is a book about her. How very brave of her at such a scary time. No one really talks much about Prince Philip’s family. Such a great book for young people and adults!
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I was excited to review the book and get a better sense of Princess Alice. I saw her in family pictures shown when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip were married. And, we saw her briefly in an episode of The Crown on Netflix. But, this story really shows her compassion.
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I hadn’t heard of this picture book, nor did I know the legacy of Princess Alice. What a wonderful story – so glad you’ve shared it!
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Thank you! I learned about Princess Alice some time ago, so was thrilled when I had a copy of her story. She followed her heart. There is an episode about her in this season of The Crown — not sure I like how they portrayed her.
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Season 3 of The Crown mentions Princess Alice. She sounds like a remarkable woman. (Didn’t have an easy life.) Great review, Pat!
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Yes, I saw the episode on The Crown and wasn’t sure I liked how they portrayed her. She really was a caring and compassionate woman. You’re right, her life wasn’t easy!
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What a gorgeous cover. It caught my attention immediately. I have it on hold and look forward to reading it. I love historical fictions! Thank you for featuring it.
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I am glad you have an interest in learning more about her. There was an episode she was in on in the latest season of The Crown. And, I saw a family picture of her (in her habit) at Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s wedding. But, her charitable work has always been her life.
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I’ve never heard of this. It sounds like a fascinating and tense read! I just put it on hold. Thanks, Patricia!
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Isn’t it fun to learn something new! She was quite extraordinary. It enjoyed reading her story. If you watch this season of The Crown, she’s in an episode.
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I only recently learned more about this part of Prince Philip’s history. How wonderful to see this picture book about his mom. Thank you so much for reviewing it.
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You are British and didn’t know about Princess Alice. I learned about her a year ago, so was thrilled when I had a chance to review a PB about her that portrays her in positive way.
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Patricia, what an interesting, inspiring book! I had no idea Prince Philip’s mother was deaf and a heroine. I love reading how people tricked the Nazis to save Jews by hiding them. So glad to be introduced to this author! Thanks!
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Yes, I like to read the various stories about how people risked their own lives to save others. Kathy Kacer writes excellent books!
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