Hanna's Cold Winter (Picture Books) [Library Binding]

Trish Marx (Author), Barbara Knutson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Picture Books

A child tells how her family and other people in Budapest help save the famous hippopotamuses in their city's zoo from starving one difficult winter during World War II. Based on a true story.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

A curious true incident is incorporated into a pleasant glimpse of a Budapest family during WW II. Tibor describes Sunday outings, on Papa's day off from the paprika factory, to see the bridge over the Danube or visit the hippopotamuses at the zoo, where they thrive in the natural warm springs. But wartime shortages threaten hippos, even more than people, until Papa suggests feeding them straw, such as that in their own doormat; the hippos then survive the war's coldest winter by eating 9,000 straw hats and slippers contributed by loyal fans. The war is offstage here; what's of interest is the warm period picture of family and city, authentically portrayed in Knutson's adroitly sketched pencil and watercolor art. (Picture book. 4-9) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 1 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group (L) (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876147724
• ISBN-13: 978-0876147726
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,651,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I write books for kids about things that really interest me. I need to fall in love with my subject, because I'll be spending many hours working on the book. My books usually involve travel - mummies in Peru, Forbidden City in China, Palestinian and Jewish kids in Israel, amazing Edi in a Kosovo refugee camp, alligators in the Everglades, Hanna the hippo in the Budapest Zoo, and the rough cow pasture in Ohio where the Wright Brothers secretly flew their new invention - the flying machine. I have a MA in journalism, and my books are often based on oral histories, interviews, and lots of observation. They have won their share of awards along the way, but I am most honored by the letters and comments I get from the kids who have read them.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hanna's Cold Winter, April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hanna's Cold Winter (Picture Books) (Library Binding)

This is a wonderful story that reveals the finer side of human nature. In spite of the hardships of winter and the shortages caused by World War II, the people of Budapest find a way to save their beloved hippopotamuses. The story in itself is uplifting, but it would also be a great springboard to discussion of the realities of war and the human spirit.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely and touching story, January 21, 2011

By 

J. Tusz - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hanna's Cold Winter (Hardcover)

Since we live in Hungary and are familiar with the places mentioned in this book, it made it an extra special read. The pictures are gorgeous and the story is very touching and heart-warming. I actually got choked up at the end and had problems reading the last page. My kids really enjoyed the story and simply saw how kind and giving the family was (they didn't understand my tears!)

5.0 out of 5 stars So glad to see this title back in print!, February 2, 2011

By 

Maryann V. Macdonald (new york, ny United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hanna's Cold Winter (Hardcover)

The story of how the citizens of Budapest saved their hippos from starvation during WWII is a little-known one, brought to life in fiction by Trish Marx in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Today's children will love the tale, and will be drawn back in time to this dramatic era, now long-distant from our lives. I enjoyed this story with my daughter. Now her daughter will have the chance to savor it, too.