The World Entire
A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue
Published on 9. October 2025
Book
Hardback
68 pages
978-1-4521-7098-5 (ISBN)
Description
Everyone knows Oskar Schindler and his famous list, but few have heard of Aristides de Sousa Mendes-a Portuguese diplomat who saved the lives of thousands in World War II. This magnificently illustrated picture book biography tells a moving story that resonates profoundly today.
"He who saves a single life, saves the world entire." -The Talmud
Here is the true and powerful story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who, against his government's commands, helped refugees flee France to escape the Nazis by granting visas that allowed them entry to Portugal.
In one of the greatest individual acts of rescue in World War II, Mendes saved many thousands of people, including the artist Salvador Dali; H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George; professors of medicine, biology, and physics who would go on to teach in America; and thousands of others whose lives are less known but no less precious. He and his family paid dearly for it, but Aristides never regretted his actions, believing to the very end of his life that every life is worth saving.
"He who saves a single life, saves the world entire." -The Talmud
Here is the true and powerful story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who, against his government's commands, helped refugees flee France to escape the Nazis by granting visas that allowed them entry to Portugal.
In one of the greatest individual acts of rescue in World War II, Mendes saved many thousands of people, including the artist Salvador Dali; H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George; professors of medicine, biology, and physics who would go on to teach in America; and thousands of others whose lives are less known but no less precious. He and his family paid dearly for it, but Aristides never regretted his actions, believing to the very end of his life that every life is worth saving.
Reviews / Votes
"An inspiring, well-earned salute." - Kirkus ? - "Quietly propulsive narration... [and] sweeping compositions... convey the tide of events and the protagonist's steadfast, heroic defiance." - Publishers Weekly, Starred ReviewMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
San Francisco
United States
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 5 to 8 years
Dimensions
Height: 311 mm
Width: 247 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
630 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4521-7098-5 (9781452170985)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Elizabeth Brown is a children's writer, film producer, and teacher with a passion for social justice. Her previous picture books include Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler, which was a New York Public Library Best Book of the Year, and Like A Diamond in the Sky: Jane Taylor's Beloved Poem of Wonder and the Stars, which was Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year. She lives in Chicago, IL.
Melissa Castrillon is an English-Colombian illustrator based in the southeast of England. She has illustrated more than ten picture books, which have been translated into more than twenty languages around the world. Her book The Balcony was awarded the Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators and was selected as a New York Times Notable Picture Book.
Melissa Castrillon is an English-Colombian illustrator based in the southeast of England. She has illustrated more than ten picture books, which have been translated into more than twenty languages around the world. Her book The Balcony was awarded the Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators and was selected as a New York Times Notable Picture Book.