New children’s book brings personal testimony and historical insight to young readers
A forthcoming children’s book aims to bring one of history’s darkest chapters into sharper focus for younger audiences through a deeply personal lens. A Time to Hide by Marion Seidemann Fredman, set for publication in March 2026 by The Collective Book Studio, presents a Holocaust survival story grounded in lived experience, historical documentation, and visual storytelling.
Targeted primarily at readers aged 9 to 12, the book is positioned as both an educational resource and a narrative of resilience, with broader appeal for families, educators, and general readers seeking accessible ways to engage with Holocaust history. The release comes amid continued global efforts to preserve firsthand accounts of World War II as the number of living survivors declines.
Blending history and storytelling for accessibility
A Time to Hide combines personal testimony with historical photographs, family archives, and a curated collection of illustrations, including newly commissioned artwork by Elisa Kleven. The integration of visual elements is intended to make complex historical events more approachable for younger readers without diminishing their gravity.
The book centres on Fredman’s parents, Grete and Julius, who fled Nazi Germany and spent years in hiding in the Netherlands. During that period, Fredman was born, an event portrayed as both a moment of hope and a testament to human endurance under extreme conditions.
By weaving together narrative and imagery, the book reflects a broader trend in children’s publishing that emphasizes multimodal learning—particularly in subjects involving historical trauma—while maintaining emotional authenticity.
A personal story rooted in historical reality
Fredman’s account draws directly from stories passed down within her family. Born while her parents were in hiding, she grew up hearing firsthand accounts of survival during the Holocaust. Those memories now form the foundation of her debut publication.
The narrative follows the family’s experience of displacement, concealment, and uncertainty, highlighting the risks faced by those who went into hiding and the resilience required to endure prolonged periods of fear and isolation. The story also underscores the role of ordinary individuals and communities in offering refuge during the Nazi occupation.
By focusing on a single family’s journey, A Time to Hide offers a microhistorical perspective that complements broader historical narratives, making the subject matter more tangible for younger audiences.
Educational value and generational relevance
The book is positioned as a tool for Holocaust education at a time when educators and institutions are seeking new ways to engage students with historical memory. Its age-appropriate format aims to introduce difficult topics in a way that encourages empathy, critical thinking, and historical awareness.
Publishers and educators have increasingly emphasized the importance of preserving survivor stories as primary sources. With fewer survivors able to share their experiences firsthand, written accounts like Fredman’s are becoming essential in maintaining continuity in Holocaust education.
The book’s release also aligns with ongoing discussions in the education sector about how best to teach sensitive historical subjects to younger audiences without oversimplification or distortion.
From private memory to public testimony
For Fredman, the book represents a transition from private family history to public storytelling. After World War II, she immigrated to the United States with her parents and built a life largely removed from the circumstances of her birth. Until now, her family’s story had been shared primarily within personal and community circles.
Her decision to publish reflects a growing recognition among second-generation survivors of the importance of documenting inherited memories. These narratives not only preserve historical detail but also explore the intergenerational impact of trauma and resilience.
Fredman currently lives in Berkeley, California, where she is engaged in artistic pursuits and family life. A Time to Hide marks her first book.
Preserving memory for future generations
As global awareness of the Holocaust continues to evolve, works like A Time to Hide contribute to a broader effort to ensure that personal stories remain central to historical understanding. By presenting a narrative rooted in lived experience and supported by visual documentation, the book seeks to bridge the gap between past and present for younger readers.
In doing so, it reinforces a key objective of Holocaust education: not only to inform, but to foster remembrance and prevent historical amnesia.