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Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree
Hidden away in their Secret Annex in Amsterdam during World War II, Anne Frank and her family could not breathe fresh air or see the blue sky for years. But through an attic window Anne could see the branches of a tall chestnut tree. This small glimpse of nature gave Anne hope and courage. It inspired her writing, which, in turn, inspired the whole world. Jane Kohuth explores Anne Frank's strong belief in the healing power of nature in this Step 3 leveled reader biography for newly independent readers ages 5–8.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Jane Kohuth
11 books25 followersJane grew up in Brooklyn, New York, went to High School on Cape Cod, and now lives and works in her house surrounded by woods in Holliston, Massachusetts. She lives with her husband, son, and Pearl, a white cat with black spots, and Esme, a black cat with white spots.
Jane graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in English and Creative Writing and from Harvard Divinity School with a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies. Though not all of what she’s studied makes an appearance in her work (no Biblical Hebrew yet . . . .), the habits of creative thought and curiosity she developed in school help her every day. She has worked as a children’s room library assistant, a writing teacher, and a children’s bookseller and organizer of author events. She is currently a Jewish educator and Hebrew School Principal.
You can find her on Instagram at
instagram.com/janekohuth and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Ko...-
Childrens-Book-Author/118152851537764?r
Jane's first book, Ducks Go Vroom was a Parents
Magazine Best Book of 2011. She is also the author of the picture books Estie the Mensch (a PJ Library
Book) and Duck Sock Hop (Kirkus Critic's Pick,
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book 2013,
NYPL 10 Best Read-Alouds of 2012, a Bank Street
Best Children’s Book of 2013, called "charming" by
the NY Times). Her early reader Anne Frank's
Chestnut Tree, published by Random House in
September, 2013, was named a Notable Social
Studies Trade Book for Young People. Her picture
book, Who's Got the Etrog (Kar-Ben, 2018) is a PJ
Library and PJ Goes to School selection
Publisher's Weekly called her picture book Something on the Hill (Anne Schwartz Books, PRH, 2024) "a jubilant tribute to creaturely instincts, as well as bonds that endure seasonal transitions." Something on the Hill received a starred review from School Library Journal.
Her picture book The Dark is For will be published by Simon & Schuster BFYR in September, 2025.
She is represented by the Bookmark Literary Agency. You can find out more about her and her books at http://www.janekohuth.com.
Jane graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in English and Creative Writing and from Harvard Divinity School with a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies. Though not all of what she’s studied makes an appearance in her work (no Biblical Hebrew yet . . . .), the habits of creative thought and curiosity she developed in school help her every day. She has worked as a children’s room library assistant, a writing teacher, and a children’s bookseller and organizer of author events. She is currently a Jewish educator and Hebrew School Principal.
You can find her on Instagram at
instagram.com/janekohuth and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Ko...-
Childrens-Book-Author/118152851537764?r
Jane's first book, Ducks Go Vroom was a Parents
Magazine Best Book of 2011. She is also the author of the picture books Estie the Mensch (a PJ Library
Book) and Duck Sock Hop (Kirkus Critic's Pick,
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book 2013,
NYPL 10 Best Read-Alouds of 2012, a Bank Street
Best Children’s Book of 2013, called "charming" by
the NY Times). Her early reader Anne Frank's
Chestnut Tree, published by Random House in
September, 2013, was named a Notable Social
Studies Trade Book for Young People. Her picture
book, Who's Got the Etrog (Kar-Ben, 2018) is a PJ
Library and PJ Goes to School selection
Publisher's Weekly called her picture book Something on the Hill (Anne Schwartz Books, PRH, 2024) "a jubilant tribute to creaturely instincts, as well as bonds that endure seasonal transitions." Something on the Hill received a starred review from School Library Journal.
Her picture book The Dark is For will be published by Simon & Schuster BFYR in September, 2025.
She is represented by the Bookmark Literary Agency. You can find out more about her and her books at http://www.janekohuth.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 1, 2022
Jane Kohuth's book introduces young readers to Anne Frank's life and legacy with great skill and tact. With few words she tells the story of a young girl whose life ended tragically, while retaining the message of life and hope Anne wrote of in her own diary.
Teacher Note: I teach kindergarten through 4th grade and am pleased to at long last have a book I can use to introduce Anne Frank. The details Jane has included in the book allow me to focus on different parts of Anne's life as would be appropriate for the different age-levels I teach, the younger students might discuss Anne's love of writing and the inspiration she drew from the chestnut tree, while with my older kids I would bring in more historical background. The language of this book makes it highly accessible to a great range of my students, and the topic makes it a great book for older students who still struggle with reading.
Teacher Note: I teach kindergarten through 4th grade and am pleased to at long last have a book I can use to introduce Anne Frank. The details Jane has included in the book allow me to focus on different parts of Anne's life as would be appropriate for the different age-levels I teach, the younger students might discuss Anne's love of writing and the inspiration she drew from the chestnut tree, while with my older kids I would bring in more historical background. The language of this book makes it highly accessible to a great range of my students, and the topic makes it a great book for older students who still struggle with reading.
May 30, 2021
REVIEWED January 1, 2014
Rating: Recommended
Recommended Grade Levels: K-2
Anne Frank is arguably the most well-known Holocaust victim because of her diary. Highlights of Frank’s life become real for youngsters in this beginning reader. It ends with a glimmer of hope, as saplings from the chestnut tree that was outside her hiding place have been distributed around the world to inspire others. Sayles’ full color artwork shows enough detail to bring Anne and her world to life, yet balances the horrible events with a softness that gives one a sense of the past. The text and illustrations work well together. Librarians would be advised to know their patrons before suggesting the additional resources listed in the book, as they are materials for older readers. The mature nature of the topic makes this title useful as a tool for older children and adults working on literacy skills.
Rating: Recommended
Recommended Grade Levels: K-2
Anne Frank is arguably the most well-known Holocaust victim because of her diary. Highlights of Frank’s life become real for youngsters in this beginning reader. It ends with a glimmer of hope, as saplings from the chestnut tree that was outside her hiding place have been distributed around the world to inspire others. Sayles’ full color artwork shows enough detail to bring Anne and her world to life, yet balances the horrible events with a softness that gives one a sense of the past. The text and illustrations work well together. Librarians would be advised to know their patrons before suggesting the additional resources listed in the book, as they are materials for older readers. The mature nature of the topic makes this title useful as a tool for older children and adults working on literacy skills.
May 20, 2013
Despite having to work within Step Into Reading's language requirements, Jane Kohuth retells Anne Frank's life story in a gorgeous, heartfelt way. I got reacquainted with Anne and wept yet again at her tragic, untimely demise. Know, though, that the heart of the story focuses on her time in the attic, growing as a writer and inspired by the great tree outside her window. It is a perfect way to introduce Anne and her legacy to young readers. I am buying the hardcover edition as a keepsake.
October 17, 2013
"Hidden away in their Secret Annex in Amsterdam during World War II, Anne Frank and her family could not breathe fresh air or walk under the blue sky for years. But through an attic window, Anne could see the branches of a tall chestnut tree. This small glimpse of nature gave Anne hope and courage. It made her feel that God had not left her. It inspired her writing, which in turn has inspired the whole world."
This is a fantastic and fresh look at the life of Anne Frank, and what an extraordinary person she really was. I found it quite interesting to learn about all the saplings grown from the chestnuts of "Anne's tree," and how they have been planted in many different places around the world.
This is a fantastic and fresh look at the life of Anne Frank, and what an extraordinary person she really was. I found it quite interesting to learn about all the saplings grown from the chestnuts of "Anne's tree," and how they have been planted in many different places around the world.
May 4, 2018
Simple introduction for children to the story of Anne Frank.
March 26, 2014
This level three, “Step Into Reading” title introduces Anne Frank to much younger audiences than the junior high readers that are typically interested in her story. It briefly describes her carefree life before the Nazi invasion of Holland. Then, weaving in the symbolism of the chestnut tree, the text addresses her life in isolation in the attic annex and the hope and encouragement the chestnut tree offered her as she watched it change through the seasons. As long as she could see it and the sky, Anne was convinced of the beauty and goodness in the world though she lived in fear and isolation. She documented these thoughts in the now-famous diary that survived. Simple text describes the Nazi invasion of Holland, Anne’s life during the two-year isolation, and finally, the family’s capture in 1944. Anne’s death is explained with the simple statement, “she did not survive the war.” Final pages recount the discovery of Anne’s diary and the public’s interest in the attic and tree that she wrote about. The tree was carefully preserved for years, but sadly, it did not survive a storm in 2010. Chestnuts from Anne’s tree were grown into saplings that were planted in Amsterdam and other world locales to keep her legacy alive. The book offers an introduction to this well-known Holocaust figure for emerging readers and special populations in need of simplified text. The illustrations are soft and muted to match the somber tone of the text. There are a few gaffes. Anne was a teen during her isolation, but the girl in the illustrations appears much younger. The abridged version of the Nazi invasion and the oversight to define “concentration camp” may also leave younger readers confused. However, the text does a good job describing the discrimination against Jews in terms youngsters could understand. I would not catalog it as a biography. The book is a worthwhile addition to an elementary library collection.
September 16, 2022
A good book to teach elementary students about Anne Frank and the situation for Jews in The Netherlands. This picture book tells young learners about Anne and her life in the attic but it does not tell about the atrocities of war. It also focuses on Anne's connection to the chestnut tree outside her window and how, many years later, that tree has shared it's fruit with others and allowed the memory of Anne to live on so that others don't forget.
June 11, 2014
Story of Anne Frank told in a more appropriate way for young readers. Accompanied by illustrations and large text. Back matter gives the reader a look into where Anne Frank really lived.
February 25, 2023
Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree (Hardcover) by Jane Kohuth- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book is narrated from the perspective of the Horse Chestnut tree outside Anne Frank's window. Anne Frank passed four winter seasons in this house. Chestnut leaves were green stars; her flowers foaming cones of white and pink. Seagulls flocked to her shade. Chestnut tree spread roots and reached skyward in peace. The tree watched a little girl, who played and laughed and wrote in a diary. When strangers invaded the city, war broke and warplanes roared overhead, the tree watched the girl peek out of the curtained window of the annex. Tree was aware of her sadness. Tree wished that she girl should come out and play under its. The tree watched as she and her family were arrested and taken awayin black cars to concentration camp. After the war was over, she suffered from typhoid and had expired in the camp. Her father arrived at the house near the tree. He was weak. Meep Gias, the young girl who served there, delivered the diary written by Ann Frank to him. The chestnut tree was 171 years old. It survived for another 81 years. Ann Frank’s diary was published in 1947 in Dutch. Later it was published in 1952, in USA. The importance of the chestnut tree for lover of freedom and perseverance was brought before the world. The seeds of the tree were planted round the world. The tree died the summer Anne Frank would have turned eighty-one, but its seeds and saplings have been planted around the world as a symbol of peace. Coloured illustrations helped the reader in relating to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.
May 7, 2019
This is a very basic, child appropriate version of Anne Frank's story and tells how the chestnut tree outside the annex inspired her to stay positive.
At the end of the book it tells of the Anne Frank Tree Project that has planted saplings of that tree all over the world.
This past week, I actually read this book to the tree sapling planted at Seattle Center's Garden of Peace for Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was pretty fun even if people were curious as to what I was doing and was a good conversation starter to get people interested in the tree and how the tree came to our city. Hopefully I will have time to do the same thing again next year.
At the end of the book it tells of the Anne Frank Tree Project that has planted saplings of that tree all over the world.
This past week, I actually read this book to the tree sapling planted at Seattle Center's Garden of Peace for Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was pretty fun even if people were curious as to what I was doing and was a good conversation starter to get people interested in the tree and how the tree came to our city. Hopefully I will have time to do the same thing again next year.
December 17, 2023
A fast-early reader introduction to the life of Anne Frank's tragic story.
I'm inspired by the hope that is presented in this book.
Back matter "History is not just dates and places. History is people...Anne Frank's voice comes to us from a terrible time, out of a terrible place. It's a gift that shows us yhat you can keep trying to be a good person, even when so many people have decided to do evil."
.. Visit AnneFrank.org to learn more.
I have not read Anne Franks diary. The snippets I've heard, mostly at Forensics competitions, were exerpts of her budding romance. On my read, I'll be looking for mention of the Chestnut tree.
I'm inspired by the hope that is presented in this book.
Back matter "History is not just dates and places. History is people...Anne Frank's voice comes to us from a terrible time, out of a terrible place. It's a gift that shows us yhat you can keep trying to be a good person, even when so many people have decided to do evil."
.. Visit AnneFrank.org to learn more.
I have not read Anne Franks diary. The snippets I've heard, mostly at Forensics competitions, were exerpts of her budding romance. On my read, I'll be looking for mention of the Chestnut tree.
March 12, 2018
I liked that this book was about the inspiration the chestnut tree provided for Anne during her time in hiding. The Holocaust is such a sensitive subject for youth, but this story handled the basic facts very well for young readers. It's wonderful to know that many chestnuts from the tree have grown into trees that have been planted around the world. It would be nice to know if there's an "Anne Frank" Chestnut Tree planted near me.
*** I just found the answer...
http://www.annefranktreeusa.com/af/sa...
*** I just found the answer...
http://www.annefranktreeusa.com/af/sa...
November 3, 2017
Great book for beginning readers. I like how the chestnut tree was a focus in this book. And the quote from Anne's diary is so true - "I firmly believe that nature can bring comfort to all who suffer."
March 25, 2018
Anne’s story is written in a very accessible way. Young readers will find this book fascinating and inspiring.
March 4, 2019
Wow, I never knew about the tree until now!
May 11, 2024
Good book for kids!
March 23, 2017
Beginning reader book about Anne Frank. Hoping to visit the Secret Annex on an upcoming trip. I'll be reading a lot of books about Anne. Thought this one would focus more on Anne and the tree. Guess there isn't that much info. I was bothered by a picture of her looking out the window. I doubt she would have been so close to the window.
September 27, 2013
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam on July 6, 1942, until the morning of August 4, 1944 when they were taken into custody by the Nazis. During the time she lived in the annex of her father's business building, she would escape the living quarters and go up to the attic to "get the stale air out of my lungs." Outside the attic window was a large chestnut tree, a tree Anne refers to three times in her diary, on February 23, 1944, on April 23, 1944 and lastly on May 13, 1944 when she wrote in her diary:
"Our chestnut tree is in full bloom. It's covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year."
Now, Jane Kohuth has written picture book for young readers that introduces them to this heroic girl and the chestnut tree that she loved so much. Written in free verse, Jane Kohuth provides the reader with enough details of Anne's life as a child to give a sense of what her life had been like, and a brief explanation of why she and her family were forced into hiding in 1940.
The middle focus of the book is on Anne's life in hiding and the comfort she took in going up to the attic to look out of the window at the blue sky and the lovely chestnut tree that grew alongside the building she was in. Jane Kohuth employs, in part, Anne's own words to accentuate the free verse used. This section ends with the arrest of Anne and the other people in the attic.
The last part of the book focuses on the life and death of Anne's beloved chestnut tree. The tree survived until 2010 when it was knocked down during a storm. But, Kohuth, tells her reader that like Anne's words in her diary, her tree will live on even after its death. Saplings from the tree were cut and are being planted around the world, 11 of which are or will be ceremoniously planted in the United States.
Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree is well written and would serve as a nice introduction to Anne's short, but heroic life. It certainly captures Anne's feelings of hope and her appreciation of nature, as well as her deep belief in God. In fact, it is quite well done for a leveled "Step into Reading" book that must be written to meet certain criteria.
In the case of Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree the leveled age range is designed readers who can read on their own in grades 1-3. The problem is, of course, should a child that young be reading this book on their own, given the subject matter. I can just imagine some of the questions that will arise from reading this book, the answers to which some children may not be ready to hear. Personally, I would probably not give it to a child before third grade. But that is a something parents and/or teachers would have to evaluate for themselves, based on what they think their children can handle. Whatever they decide, this is a lovely book for introducing Anne Frank to kids.
The free verse is enhanced with appealing illustrations created by Elizabeth Sayles. My only problem was that Anne looked a little younger in the first illustration than her actual 15 years. Other than that, I found the illustrations and the text worked very well together in this newest book about Anne Frank.
This book is recommended for readers age 6+, but I would say more like 8+
This book was an E-F&G from Edelweiss
This review was originally posted at The Children's War
"Our chestnut tree is in full bloom. It's covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year."
Now, Jane Kohuth has written picture book for young readers that introduces them to this heroic girl and the chestnut tree that she loved so much. Written in free verse, Jane Kohuth provides the reader with enough details of Anne's life as a child to give a sense of what her life had been like, and a brief explanation of why she and her family were forced into hiding in 1940.
The middle focus of the book is on Anne's life in hiding and the comfort she took in going up to the attic to look out of the window at the blue sky and the lovely chestnut tree that grew alongside the building she was in. Jane Kohuth employs, in part, Anne's own words to accentuate the free verse used. This section ends with the arrest of Anne and the other people in the attic.
The last part of the book focuses on the life and death of Anne's beloved chestnut tree. The tree survived until 2010 when it was knocked down during a storm. But, Kohuth, tells her reader that like Anne's words in her diary, her tree will live on even after its death. Saplings from the tree were cut and are being planted around the world, 11 of which are or will be ceremoniously planted in the United States.
Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree is well written and would serve as a nice introduction to Anne's short, but heroic life. It certainly captures Anne's feelings of hope and her appreciation of nature, as well as her deep belief in God. In fact, it is quite well done for a leveled "Step into Reading" book that must be written to meet certain criteria.
In the case of Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree the leveled age range is designed readers who can read on their own in grades 1-3. The problem is, of course, should a child that young be reading this book on their own, given the subject matter. I can just imagine some of the questions that will arise from reading this book, the answers to which some children may not be ready to hear. Personally, I would probably not give it to a child before third grade. But that is a something parents and/or teachers would have to evaluate for themselves, based on what they think their children can handle. Whatever they decide, this is a lovely book for introducing Anne Frank to kids.
The free verse is enhanced with appealing illustrations created by Elizabeth Sayles. My only problem was that Anne looked a little younger in the first illustration than her actual 15 years. Other than that, I found the illustrations and the text worked very well together in this newest book about Anne Frank.
This book is recommended for readers age 6+, but I would say more like 8+
This book was an E-F&G from Edelweiss
This review was originally posted at The Children's War
December 2, 2015
Part of my job this year has been reading and evaluating children's and young adult books and seeing if they're appropriate to teach students history and other social studies concepts. One of the books I received was an "Easy Reader" style picture book from Random House, one of their Step Into Reading publications. The book, by Jane Kohuth with illustrations by Elizabeth Sayles, is Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree.
The title alone raised about twenty-three red flags. A picture book about Anne Frank? Teaching little kids about the Holocaust? And specifically Anne Frank? Most kids read Anne Frank's story at some point in middle school, and there's an undeniable power in reading her own words in her diary format. So I opened the book with some trepidation.
Intended for grades 1-3, the book has short chapters and an easy-to-follow plot. The text is simple, with short sentences and a large enough font to read, but it does retell Anne Frank's story in a way that is both respectful of the original material and of history, but softens some of the harshest edges.
The book is divided into sections: In the Attic, The Secret Annex, and Anne's Chestnut Tree. The first sets up her story, the second is the bulk of her biography, and the last section is the aftermath and a sort of tribute to Anne and her writing.
Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree does a good job of introducing young readers to complicated topics, like war, antisemitism, and even the idea of concentration camps. Through it all, the authors use the window from the Annex where Anne can see her chestnut tree as a sort of escape, as hope, as her proof that God was still there and loved her. Towards the end of the book, instead of saying something like "Anne died in the concentration camp," Kohuth uses more passive language which feels safer for young readers: "Anne did not survive the war." It's a small difference, but a significant one.
The author is able to end Anne's story on a hopeful note, which can be difficult with stories set during the Holocaust. End notes cite the Anne Frank House, linking to their website at http://www.annefrank.org, but it's not clear if the book is officially endorsed by them or not.
The illustrations are dark pastels, fitting to the story being told, with splashes of color here and there, like I imagine Anne's life was. The characterization of Anne and her family in particular looks as they do in photographs, and I appreciated the efforts of illustrator Elizabeth Sayles in softening the edges without making the family or other characters seem cartoonish.
Can such an elementary reader tell Anne's story effectively? Yes, I think this does. If you're looking for something that's an introduction to some of the horrors, but also heroism, of the 20th Century, it's worth checking out.
The title alone raised about twenty-three red flags. A picture book about Anne Frank? Teaching little kids about the Holocaust? And specifically Anne Frank? Most kids read Anne Frank's story at some point in middle school, and there's an undeniable power in reading her own words in her diary format. So I opened the book with some trepidation.
Intended for grades 1-3, the book has short chapters and an easy-to-follow plot. The text is simple, with short sentences and a large enough font to read, but it does retell Anne Frank's story in a way that is both respectful of the original material and of history, but softens some of the harshest edges.
The book is divided into sections: In the Attic, The Secret Annex, and Anne's Chestnut Tree. The first sets up her story, the second is the bulk of her biography, and the last section is the aftermath and a sort of tribute to Anne and her writing.
Anne Frank's Chestnut Tree does a good job of introducing young readers to complicated topics, like war, antisemitism, and even the idea of concentration camps. Through it all, the authors use the window from the Annex where Anne can see her chestnut tree as a sort of escape, as hope, as her proof that God was still there and loved her. Towards the end of the book, instead of saying something like "Anne died in the concentration camp," Kohuth uses more passive language which feels safer for young readers: "Anne did not survive the war." It's a small difference, but a significant one.
The author is able to end Anne's story on a hopeful note, which can be difficult with stories set during the Holocaust. End notes cite the Anne Frank House, linking to their website at http://www.annefrank.org, but it's not clear if the book is officially endorsed by them or not.
The illustrations are dark pastels, fitting to the story being told, with splashes of color here and there, like I imagine Anne's life was. The characterization of Anne and her family in particular looks as they do in photographs, and I appreciated the efforts of illustrator Elizabeth Sayles in softening the edges without making the family or other characters seem cartoonish.
Can such an elementary reader tell Anne's story effectively? Yes, I think this does. If you're looking for something that's an introduction to some of the horrors, but also heroism, of the 20th Century, it's worth checking out.
April 11, 2016
1. What is the book about?
The book is about Anne Frank. This book talks about the Holocaust but the language and style is meant for young children to understand. Anne, a young girl from Amsterdam, is a Jew and is stripped from many of her basic rights. Anne can't do things that normal little girls love to do like swimming or going to school. One day Anne's sister gets a letter in the mail telling her to report to a concentration camp. Anne's family immediately decides to go into hiding. Anne and her family have to live in a secret bookcase but no one can know about their whereabouts. Unfortunately, Anne and her family are caught and they are forced to live in a concentration camp.
2. What are the illustrations like?
There are pictures on every page with the text bolded over the pictures. The colors on the pages are very dark which creates more of a somber tone. This book is a serious book so the illustrator uses a lot of grays and dark blues. My favorite picture is when the family is fleeing their house in the middle of the night. The illustrator did a great job with the picture that you actually feel like you are there with the family. The illustrator doesn't draw the book as a cartoon which is book because this is a serious subject.
3. What can you take away from the book?
I think this book is appropriate for third or fourth graders. This is a very serious book but the way the author presents the information doesn't make it impossible for children to understand this subject without going into too much information. This book is very special to me because my great-grandmother lived during this era and she would always tell me stories of her as a young girl growing up during World War II. I think this is a great book to read simultaneously with a history lesson about this era.
The book is about Anne Frank. This book talks about the Holocaust but the language and style is meant for young children to understand. Anne, a young girl from Amsterdam, is a Jew and is stripped from many of her basic rights. Anne can't do things that normal little girls love to do like swimming or going to school. One day Anne's sister gets a letter in the mail telling her to report to a concentration camp. Anne's family immediately decides to go into hiding. Anne and her family have to live in a secret bookcase but no one can know about their whereabouts. Unfortunately, Anne and her family are caught and they are forced to live in a concentration camp.
2. What are the illustrations like?
There are pictures on every page with the text bolded over the pictures. The colors on the pages are very dark which creates more of a somber tone. This book is a serious book so the illustrator uses a lot of grays and dark blues. My favorite picture is when the family is fleeing their house in the middle of the night. The illustrator did a great job with the picture that you actually feel like you are there with the family. The illustrator doesn't draw the book as a cartoon which is book because this is a serious subject.
3. What can you take away from the book?
I think this book is appropriate for third or fourth graders. This is a very serious book but the way the author presents the information doesn't make it impossible for children to understand this subject without going into too much information. This book is very special to me because my great-grandmother lived during this era and she would always tell me stories of her as a young girl growing up during World War II. I think this is a great book to read simultaneously with a history lesson about this era.
Read
September 25, 2013First of all, I have questioned before (https://medinger.wordpress.com/2006/1...) why the need to produce books on the Holocaust for young children. Genocide, atrocities, and such are topics that children need to be old enough to understand; the US Holocaust Museum recommends students go who are at least in 5th grade. At the least the "Letter to Parents" at the beginning of this book could offer some suggestions on how to navigate children's questions on this story and topic but all it offers is clearly standard "Step into Reading" stuff, focusing on helping their children with their reading comfort. As for sources such as Anne's actual diary, there are some squeezed in tiny text on the copyright page, but how many parents are ever going to find that?
Secondly, one of the many wonders of Anne Frank are HER words. There are a few quotes here, but mostly it is a strange summary of her experience. And things are too often left undefined, understandably in that it is pretty impossible to adequately define them for the intended audience of these books. Say the mention of a concentration camp on page 14. The only thing mentioned about them in the book is that people were taken away and never seen again.
I admit this is a very personal topic for me, but all the more reason for me to care that kids are appropriately age-wise and information-wise introduced to it.
Secondly, one of the many wonders of Anne Frank are HER words. There are a few quotes here, but mostly it is a strange summary of her experience. And things are too often left undefined, understandably in that it is pretty impossible to adequately define them for the intended audience of these books. Say the mention of a concentration camp on page 14. The only thing mentioned about them in the book is that people were taken away and never seen again.
I admit this is a very personal topic for me, but all the more reason for me to care that kids are appropriately age-wise and information-wise introduced to it.
October 26, 2013
I have written a couple of Nerdy Book Club blogs about the controversial topic of introducing the Holocaust to primary aged children. See Memorable Holocaust Picture Books and Notable Holocaust Picture Books Illustrate People Making a Difference. Jane contacted me after reading one of my blogs. I was delighted to learn that she had recently authored a Step Into Reading Level 3 Book that focused on Anne Frank’s life. She graciously sent me a copy for review.
I was curious to see how she would present Anne’s remarkable story to a young audience of early readers. Jane skillfully provided an overview that used a unique approach to this famous story. Jane used numerous references to the chestnut tree that stood outside Anne’s window. Even though Anne Frank was unable to go outside, the tree and nature provided hope and joy. In recent years, the tree was destroyed by a storm. All was not lost because chestnuts were used to grow new saplings. Jane weaves this fact back into the story by reminding children that Anne’s words remain alive long after her death. Jane created a positive spin to a very sad topic.
Anyone willing to introduce a young reader to Anne Frank’s life or the Holocaust should not hesitate to recommend this book to a child. I agree with Jane that more early readers should be written on the Holocaust to meet the needs of the kids who want to learn more.
I was curious to see how she would present Anne’s remarkable story to a young audience of early readers. Jane skillfully provided an overview that used a unique approach to this famous story. Jane used numerous references to the chestnut tree that stood outside Anne’s window. Even though Anne Frank was unable to go outside, the tree and nature provided hope and joy. In recent years, the tree was destroyed by a storm. All was not lost because chestnuts were used to grow new saplings. Jane weaves this fact back into the story by reminding children that Anne’s words remain alive long after her death. Jane created a positive spin to a very sad topic.
Anyone willing to introduce a young reader to Anne Frank’s life or the Holocaust should not hesitate to recommend this book to a child. I agree with Jane that more early readers should be written on the Holocaust to meet the needs of the kids who want to learn more.
May 11, 2014
Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree is a step three reader for grades first through third. With its engaging characters and its realistic illustrations, this is a great book to use in whole or small group. This book would be an excellent book to begin a unit on Jewish literature or to introduce Anne Frank. It gives the reader a simple version of a complicated topic. “Anne Frank’s voice comes to us from a terrible time, out of a terrible place”, as quoted from the book.
This book shows Anne as an educated, happy girl until World War II happens, causing Anne and her family to move into The Secret Annex. They spend 597 days hidden away with the hopes of a brighter future. Anne uses the only window open in the attic to watch the chestnut tree change seasons. The sun and the tree provide Anne with hope and inspiration, which helps Anne to create a magical diary filled with her pieces of work. The reader gets a small glimpse of Anne and her tragic life, but will walk away with knowing that Anne was a true inspiration.
This book shows Anne as an educated, happy girl until World War II happens, causing Anne and her family to move into The Secret Annex. They spend 597 days hidden away with the hopes of a brighter future. Anne uses the only window open in the attic to watch the chestnut tree change seasons. The sun and the tree provide Anne with hope and inspiration, which helps Anne to create a magical diary filled with her pieces of work. The reader gets a small glimpse of Anne and her tragic life, but will walk away with knowing that Anne was a true inspiration.
April 30, 2015
I have always enjoyed reading Ann Frank books and I think this one does just a great job at explaining what Ann Frank went through as a young child during World War II in a child friendly way. This book is a great history book for kids ages three and up, and I would rate this book five stars out of five. This book gives dates of when important events happened during Ann Frank’s lifetime, including when the chestnut tree that inspired her for hope was knocked down by a storm in 2010. This book also give young reader great insight as to what exactly was going on, including the fact that those who were Jewish has to sew on yellow stars to their clothes. This book also mentions those who helped Ann Frank, her family, and other families who stayed in their hiding house. The pictures were greatly detailed, as well as the characters. The book pictures will stick out to reads, but most importantly I think the story alone will attract their attentions as well. I would love to read this book to my class to teach them about what had happened during World War II.
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April 15, 2016Jane Kohuth’s book, “Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree,” is a great introductory book to what life was like in Amsterdam during World War II. In this short, 48 page book, Kohuth tells the story of Anne Frank and her family as they lived in an attic with no fresh air. It’s through the attic’s window that allows her to see a tall chestnut tree that fills her with hope and courage, as well as inspires her to write her life story that has had an impact to readers around the world.
This level three book, “Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree,” falls under the biography genre as it is a written account of her life. Throughout this short book, Kohuth develops a greater understanding of the place, events, and people surrounding Frank. During, and after, reading, children have the opportunity to learn life lessons and slowly be introduce to a world outside their own. Students will read the story of a young girl that experienced living in a small space with her family and not being able to engage in activities other kids her age were able to, including: playing tag, riding a bike, or going swimming.
This level three book, “Anne Frank’s Chestnut Tree,” falls under the biography genre as it is a written account of her life. Throughout this short book, Kohuth develops a greater understanding of the place, events, and people surrounding Frank. During, and after, reading, children have the opportunity to learn life lessons and slowly be introduce to a world outside their own. Students will read the story of a young girl that experienced living in a small space with her family and not being able to engage in activities other kids her age were able to, including: playing tag, riding a bike, or going swimming.
October 27, 2013
This story taken from Anne’s diary tells of the chestnut tree she viewed from the attic when she hid with her family in the “secret annex”. She never saw the outdoors for nearly two years, and wrote of her love of nature. The story would be an appropriate introduction to this terrible time in our history for younger children who want to know about Anne Frank. It relates the basic story of a happy Anne who ended up needing to escape into hiding with her family during the time of the Holocaust, and the way she kept a mostly positive attitude in spite of the challenging, long days of confinement. There is some back matter at the end that tells more about Anne, the diary, and the tree that became so important to her. The illustrations are soft, almost look faded as in old scrapbooks, showing images that go along with the text.
April 15, 2016
This book is about anne frank and when her and her family must go into hiding because they are jews. It describes what they did during their days and how they were eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp and did not end up surviving. One of the people who was helping her family out went back and saved anne's diary which is how we know this story.
This is a longer picture book because it does take some time to get through it and there are pictures on each page. I would say that the subject was worth reading about because it was very interesting. The illustrations went along with the text as well because whenever they were talking about a main topic there would be a picture of it. And this book also provided a mentor or hero for kids to look up to because Anne and her family never gave up. I would definitely suggest this book for children to read!
This is a longer picture book because it does take some time to get through it and there are pictures on each page. I would say that the subject was worth reading about because it was very interesting. The illustrations went along with the text as well because whenever they were talking about a main topic there would be a picture of it. And this book also provided a mentor or hero for kids to look up to because Anne and her family never gave up. I would definitely suggest this book for children to read!
November 2, 2016
This is a level 3 Step into Reading book and it is perfect! It introduces young readers to Anne Frank's story and the political situation of World War II in a very simple way. It's filled with pictures to help the reader understand the text. It is a biography book made in such a simple way that it's easy for the reader to both understand and enjoy. At first I was a bit skeptical because it is such a delicate and sad period of time, but it is written beautifully. Being a level 3 book, it is recommended for grades 1-3 and I agree, as mentioned, although the topic can seem like a complicated one for such young readers, the manner in which the story is delivered makes it completely appropriate for 1st through 3rd grade. It included a few quotes from Anne Frank's diary so if later on in life they decide to read that then they'll recognize a few quotes.
June 18, 2014
This biography from the Step into Reading Series is Level 3, and therefore the target audience is grades 1-3. The beginning explains the political and religious persecution which necessitates the Frank family's move into the Annex, and the rest of the story focuses on life in hiding. The information is completely accurate, but the author plays sensitivities of the younger audience by focusing on Anne's habit of observing the chestnut tree to gain strength and comfort. The book concludes with the arrest of the family. I feel it an appropriate book about Anne Frank, even if it simply states, "Anne did not survive the war, but her diary did." This would serve as a gentle introduction to a very brave young girl.
April 15, 2016
The book of Anne Frank's Chestnut tree tells the story of Anne Frank while she was going through the Holocaust. It explains how her life was so normal and then suddenly, the Nazis invaded and she was forced into hiding. In her hiding spot, there was a chestnut tree she could see out the window. She used her time while hiding to write in her diary about her experience and the tree.
This is a level three book which is rated for children in about the third grade. It is a great story that explains simply about the Holocaust but is entertaining enough to keep a child's attention. It is written as a fictionalized biography.
This is a level three book which is rated for children in about the third grade. It is a great story that explains simply about the Holocaust but is entertaining enough to keep a child's attention. It is written as a fictionalized biography.
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