Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot: A True Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy That Dropped from the Sky

by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen and Margot Theis Raven

Book Overview

A True Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy that Dropped from the Sky. Life was grim in 1948 West Berlin, Germany. Josef Stalin blockaded all ground routes coming in and out of Berlin to cut off West Berliners from all food and essential supplies. Without outside help, over 2.2 million people would die. Thus began the Berlin Airlift, a humanitarian rescue mission that utilized British and American airplanes and pilots to fly in needed supplies...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585360694
• ISBN13: 9781585360697
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.7" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Family Keepsake

We had the pleasure of meeting the legendary Col. Halverson and Mercedes during one of his visits to Berlin this year. We invited the beloved Chocolate Pilot to speak to a small group of American Scouts and organized a book reading beforehand. Word got out and over 350 people showed up to hear this story! The audience was mesmerized. Everyone, both parents and children alike, were touched by the story of human kindness. Margot Theis Raven does a wonderful job recounting the true story of Mercedes, a seven year old German girl, who dreams of receiving a little happiness, in the form of candy, in postwar Berlin and of a kind American pilot who makes her dream come true. This beautifully illustrated book honors both Col. Halverson and Mercedes. My children absolutely love this book. And so do I! It's a true family keepsake. Vanessa Hansen, BSA Troop 46 'Freedom Outpost'

Beautiful and moving

A lovely story of a little-known episode in post-World War II Europe, the Berlin Airlift, and the American pilot who knew that for children, chocolates and sweets were almost more important than the basic supplies the Airlift was providing the citizens of West Berlin, so he sent those along with the rest of his cargo, and in doing so, gave them hope. Margot Theis Raven movingly depicts an important time in history and the gallantry and heart of the man who `rained down sweets' on a city that needed it. A wonderful read with fascinating historical information that kids and adults will enjoy. Bravo, Ms. Raven!

Kind, heroic American soldier grants German child's wish

This true story of hope, kindness and heroism is a reminder that there are American soldiers who have provided a variety of rescues for people in other countries, a reminder that every child is important, a reminder that one caring person can change the world. There's even a subtle message of the power of prayer. The illustrations are as beautiful, sweet, and historically accurate as the story itself. The heart-warming text gives children a true living American hero to emulate in the Chocolate Pilot and a child to relate to in Mercedes. Grown-ups love this book as much as children do.

The Impact of Adults in the Life of a Child.

"Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot: A True Story of the Berlin "Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot": This is a true Story of the Berlin Airlift and the Candy That Dropped from the Sky by Margot Theis Raven, Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen" demonstrates the true meaning of the human sprit and the impact of that sprit upon generation after generation. While I was reading this story I was reminded of a saying which emphasizes how truly important our roles, as adults, are in the lives of children, ...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." This true story is truly remarkable and a must to share with adults and children.

A story that needs to be told

As a children's librarian I have spent the past week reading Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot to my students. We have enjoyed every minute of it. Margot Raven brings Col. Halvorsen's story to an audience that is not familiar with the Berlin airlift. The book provides background and inspiration while recreating a moment in history. Have your chocolate close by when you read this one.