"Waiting for the Storks" is the third novel I have read by this author and I have enjoyed every one of them. While I think "Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief" is Nannestad's best, this was still a fascinating read.

I knew little about the children who were kidnapped throughout Europe by the Nazis because of their Aryan looks. These children were Germanised, their pasts obliterated and were adopted by German families. This is what happens to Zofia/Sophia. Taken from her Polish parents at age eight, after many years in a facility where she is indoctrinated by German propaganda, she is adopted by rich, loving German parents where food, warmth and material wealth are plentiful. Sophia loves her parents and has forgotten her past until she meets a Polish farm slave and suddenly her life is turned upside down.

Most novels that are set during WWII focus on the atrocities of the Nazis but "Waiting for the Storks" gave a different perspective. It was heartbreaking to watch how Zofia's past was stolen from her but the novel was beautifully written making the story very accessible to younger readers. The accompanying illustrations gave added charm to the story. Another impressive book by Australian author, Katrina Nannestad. ( )