As an author’s note so eloquently explains, “The allegory of the yellow star used by the Nazis to divide and shame became in this legend a symbol of unity and hope.” The author’s note also clarifies to readers the definition of a legend spelling out the difference between fact and unauthenticated storytelling.
This book’s focused and simplified approach allows children to be exposed to an unpleasant subject without feeling threatened. Now, with stars visible on all of the people, “once again, in the country of Denmark, there were only Danes.” As King Christian boldly rides through the streets, a star on his lapel, his people understand the implications and follow their leader’s example. The solution to this divisive edict is seemingly simple, King Christian decides to sew a star on his own clothing. Having previously experienced King Christian’s bravado, this simple statement of fear allows readers to more fully comprehend the gravity of this new situation. Having heard horrible stories, “In some places, once Jews wore the yellow star, they were taken away and not heard from again,” the people of Denmark were frightened. Leaflets flutter down on the city of Copenhagen demanding that all Jews must sew a yellow star onto their clothing. Having thus established this simplified baseline by which wartime occupation can be understood, readers are then drawn further into the demands and injustice of this time.
With steely defiance and courage the King has the flag permanently removed. When the Nazi’s arrive, bringing food shortages and curfews, they also bring their flag, hanging it high on the palace roof. This book, which tells a legend associated with the Nazi occupation of Denmark, provides an interesting foothold into the not so distant past.Įvery morning King Christian of Denmark rides unarmed and alone through the streets of Copenhagen. While we might prefer to shield our children from awful truths, we cannot risk ignorance. While the persecution of Jews during Nazi rule is not a subject normally associated with young children, there comes a time when this distasteful period in world history must be broached. The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark
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