Benno and the Night of Broken Glass

Reach for this book when you need a gentle, thoughtful way to introduce the history of the Holocaust or discuss how communities change when prejudice takes root. By viewing the events through the eyes of Benno, a neighborhood cat who belongs to everyone, children can process a difficult historical moment with a layer of protective emotional distance. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to explain the concepts of injustice and social exclusion without overwhelming a young reader with graphic details. The story follows Benno's daily routines in Berlin as his once-friendly neighbors, both Jewish and Gentile, begin to turn away from one another. The emotional core of the book lies in Benno's confusion and sadness as his favorite shopkeepers and families disappear following the Night of Broken Glass. It serves as a powerful testament to empathy, reminding us that even in dark times, the bonds of kindness matter. This book provides a safe space for parents to foster a child's sense of fairness and historical awareness.