A Time to Hide: Based on a True Story of Survival During the Holocaust

A Time to Hide captures a powerful true story of Holocaust survival, told through personal testimony, historical photographs, and evocative new illustrations.

“Pair this skillfully crafted book with . . . other Anne Frank resources to expand the context of the Holocaust experience.” —Booklist, starred review

"Assembled from inherited memory, it’s a piercing narrative that feels like a preserved family archive." —Publishers Weekly

When Grete and Julius fled Nazi Germany, they never imagined they’d be forced into hiding in a Dutch attic. While in hiding, their daughter Marion was born—a moment of light amid the darkest of times. Years later, Marion Seidemann Fredman shares her family’s courageous story of love, loss, and resilience in this visually rich, nonfiction picture book.

What Makes This Book Essential:

• A Rare Firsthand Story: Told by a child born while in hiding during the Holocaust—now sharing her family’s story with the next generation.
• Visually Immersive: Blends historical photographs, forged documents, keepsakes, and newly commissioned illustrations.
• Accessible for Young Readers: Includes historical context, a glossary, and a translation guide—ideal for classrooms and intergenerational reading.
• Legacy and Memory: Honors the lived experiences of Jewish families during World War II and the quiet heroes who helped them survive.

A Time to Hide is a vital Holocaust story that honors memory, teaches history, and helps ensure the next generation understands and remembers this powerful legacy of survival.

Marion Seidemann Fredman lives in Berkeley, California surrounded by her family, friends, dogs, chickens, treasures, and memories. She spends much of her time in her garden making whimsical art and hanging out with her offspring. This is her first book.

Elisa Kleven writes and illustrates picture books because she’s never outgrown her childhood passion for art and storymaking. Having spent much of her childhood creating magical, miniature worlds, Elisa now creates similar worlds inside of her picture books. She is the acclaimed author and/or illustrator of over thirty children’s books, including Sun Bread, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, The Paper Princess, and Abuela, by Arthur Dorros. Her books have been included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Reading Rainbow series. Elisa's stories have also been performed as plays and ballets by professional theater and dance companies. To learn more about Elisa and her work, please visit her website: www.elisakleven.com

Diane Dove is a California-based artist with a thirty-year career in art education. She holds a BFA and a master’s degree in international education, which she earned while living and teaching in Brazil.