Mister Doctor: Janusz Korczak and the Orphans of the Warsaw Ghetto

Irène Cohen-Janca & Maurizio A.C. Quarello

Forced by the Nazis to leave their orphanage, 160 Jewish children march through the streets of Warsaw. Led by their beloved director, Doctor Korczak, the children are defiantly joyful as they enter the ghetto. Two years later, the same children are rounded up to be transported to the death camp, Treblinka. Offered his freedom, Doctor Korczak refuses to abandon the children and proudly joins them to make sure that they are comforted even at the very end. This extraordinary true story introduces young readers to a remarkable man whose humanity and bravery shone through during one of history’s darkest periods. Beautifully poignant drawings accompany the text, adding to the somber tone of the book. A gatefold page towards the end shows the line of children led by Doctor Korczak as they leave on their last journey.

“Haunting and memorable.” ― Kirkus Reviews, *starred review

“[This] remarkable true story . . . is told through text and stunningly somber illustrations.” ― Literacy Daily, International Reading Association

“A useful addition to Holocaust units or a catalyst for conversations about children’s rights.” ― Booklist, 

“This sensitively written history . . . belongs in all Holocaust collections.” ― Association of Jewish Libraries

Irène Cohen-Janca is a French author who has written many novels and picture books, translated into several languages. Irène Cohen Janca has received many awards, including the Prix de la Foire de Brive 2008, the Prix Korczak 2017, and the BolognaRagazzi Award, non-fiction category for Marie Curie – In the Land of Science.

Maurizio A.C. Quarello is a giant of illustration, capable of making each book different in style from the previous one. His books are translated all over the world and he has won countless awards. Today his time is divided between the drawing board and the professorship at the Academy of Fine Arts in Turin.

Books illustrated by Maurizio A.C. Quarello