The Cats in Krasinski Square

The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, illustrated by Wendy Watson, is a sad, moving, triumphant tale of how cats become a part of Jewish resistance in outsmarting the Nazis in Warsaw during World War II. The young friends partner with the cats to get food into the Warsaw Ghetto, under the noses of the Nazi guard determined to prevent them from succeeding.

The book is historical fiction embedded in a picture book. The narrative itself is a lyrical, poetic one, and the illustrations done in watercolor are impressionist and create both a realistic and relatable atmosphere.

Activities

1. Cat House. You are a cat in Krasinski Square helping with the mission. What was your life like before the war? Describe your life before, and what it's like now. Are you hungry? Did you have a lot to eat before the war? What is your family like? 
2. Letters. Pretend you are one of the friends, writing a letter to someone you know in America. How do  you describe life? What is on your mind? What do you think about the future?
3. Maps. Make a map of the Warsaw Ghetto as you've learned about it in the story. Point out landmarks, as though you are going to give the map to one of the cats to learn about the area. What are important parts? What should be avoided?
4. Diary. Create a diary either as a cat or one of the friends in the story. Write 2-3 sample entries. What is life like in the Ghetto? What are your plans? What do you think about when you wake up? Include pictures and drawings if you like. 
5. A Soundtrack. Create a soundtrack to the story. What songs are included? From the past pre-war life? From current life? What music fits the moods throughout the story? 

This book moved me so much! Much of my family perished in the Warsaw Ghetto as Romani Jews, and the letters we have remind me so much of the thoughts and feelings described in this book. The musical language is wonderful, and the involvement of the cats is astounding. The notes at the end about the real incident really moved me, and have compelled me to learn more about it. The language used is so lyrical and wonderfully crafted, despite the book's sensitive subject matter. Similar books include Number The Stars by Lois Lowry, The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank, and The Yellow Star by Carmen Deedy.

Bibliography

Hesse, Karen; Watson, Wendy. The Cats in Krasinski Square. (2004) Scholastic Press.