Picture Books
Picture books by Karen Gray Ruelle range from serious nonfiction to fun-filled romps. Categorized for children, but read and enjoyed by adults, too.
NON-FICTION
Peter’s War: A Boy’s True Story of Survival in World War II Europe
Written by Karen Gray Ruelle & Deborah Durland DeSaix, illustrated by Deborah Durland DeSaix
(Holiday House, 2020)
As Hitler overran Europe in the 1930s, twelve-year-old Peter Feigl and his family escaped from Germany to Czechoslovakia, then Austria, Belgium, and finally France. They were desperate to stay one step ahead of the Nazis and their concentration camps.
But in 1942, when the Feigls tried to disappear in the Southern Zone of France, Peter’s parents were arrested. Peter was alone, a spirited child coming of age in hiding during the worst war in modern history. His incredible journey for survival led him to a series of children’s homes, a boarding school, and even the Maquis, a network of French Resistance fighters, before he finally escaped to Switzerland in 1944.
Illustrated with stunning paintings and dozens of personal photographs in a scrapbook-style format, the text includes source notes, a bibliography and index. Peter’s riveting story of persistence will inspire young readers.
REVIEWS:
“This affecting compilation will help young readers put a human face on an unfathomable tragedy, as Peter’s personality shines through in his writing. This accessible tribute is an important addition to children’s Holocaust literature” –Booklist (starred review)
“An important, well-written account of survival against overwhelming odds.” –Kirkus Reviews
Click here to read the entire review
“In this beautifully designed book . . . events come to life through period photographs juxtaposed with De Saix’s luminous watercolor illustrations to convey the emotions of persecuted Jews. . . . There’s a lot to absorb here, but the authors keep the text simple and clear.” –Association of Jewish Libraries News and Reviews
“This is an important primary source story of a young refugee during World War II.” –School Library Journal
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
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Educators’ Guide
There’s a great educators’ guide for Peter’s War. Check it out here.
You can also hear Peter, himself, telling his story here.
The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust
Written & illustrated by Karen Gray Ruelle & Deborah Durland DeSaix
(Holiday House, 2009)
From 1940 to 1944 during the Nazi occupation of Paris, no Jew was safe from arrest and deportation to a concentration camp. Few Parisians were willing to risk their own lives to help them. Yet, during that perilous time, many Jews found refuge in an unlikely place: the sprawling complex of the Grand Mosque of Paris. This picture book for older readers tells the almost unknown story of the resistance staged by the Kabyles and the people of the Grand Mosque of Paris and how their courage, faith and devotion to justice saved the lives of so many.
REVIEWS:
“This is a fascinating, little-known piece of history.” –Booklist
“A must read for today’s multicultural curricula.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Full of details and thought-provoking episodes . . . This is a seldom-told piece of history, and it will expand the picture both of humanitarian action during the Holocaust and interfaith relations.” –The Bulletin
An ALA Notable Children’s Book
An Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Title
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Educators’ Guide
There’s a terrific educators’ guide for The Grand Mosque of Paris, written by librarian extraordinaire Pat Scales. Check it out here.
The Tree
Written by Karen Gray Ruelle
Illustrated by Deborah Durland DeSaix
(Holiday House, 2008)
A stately elm tree has proudly stood in the heart of New York City for over 250 years. Growing to a sapling during the city’s early settlement, it lasted through epidemics, fires and wars. The land surrounding it was a cemetery, a cornfield, an arsenal and a home for orphans before becoming Madison Square Park. The time line of this magnificent tree offers a unique look at the history of the largest city in the United States.
REVIEWS:
“The author paces the narration perfectly . . . . DeSaix’s softly drawn watercolors and rubbed oils beautifully capture the march of time . . . . A charming piece of history.” –Kirkus Reviews
“More than the history of one particular tree, . . . also the story of how a neighborhood and park developed around it. . . . A handsome work on a subject that will have appeal to many children.” –Booklist
FICTION
Bark Park
Written & illustrated by Karen Gray Ruelle
(Peachtree, 2007)
Welcome to Bark Park, where dogs of every shape, size and personality romp and roam. Young readers can cavort with these colorfully collaged canines before collapsing into sleep along with their doggie pals, worn out after a day of fun. Energetic rhymes are punctuated with cheerful illustrations in this bouncy, fast-paced frolic.
REVIEWS:
“The jaunty rhyming text and bright watercolor collages showcase dogs of all shapes and sizes . . . . This canine tour de force should amuse and amaze dog fans for its delightful diversity.” –Kirkus Reviews
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The Book of Bedtimes
Written by Karen Gray Ruelle
Illustrated by Lizi Boyd
(Red Wagon Books, 1997)
Rhyming text presents a host of animal bedtimes ending with “duck docks, baby rocks.”
The Book of Baths
Written by Karen Gray Ruelle
Illustrated by Lizi Boyd
(Red Wagon Books, 1997)
Rhyming text presents a host of animals taking baths, ending with “duck sprays, baby plays.”
The Book of Breakfasts
Written by Karen Gray Ruelle
Illustrated by Lizi Boyd
(Red Wagon Books, 1997)
Rhyming text presents a host of animals eating breakfast, ending with “duck smacks, baby snacks.”