The Yellow Hats

Inspired by the Holocaust but universally resonant, this powerful animal fable is a testament to human courage—even in the darkest of times.

Families of sheep, chicken, rabbits, and mice all live together happily in a beautiful green meadow . . . until they hear whispers of a group of wild things coming from the snowy mountains for the sheep. Is it because of their soft coats? Or for their grassy land? Nobody knows. But with the threat of violence hanging over the animal community, the happiness that once pervaded life on the meadow is soon replaced by unease and fear.

One fateful night, the whisperings come true—the wild things descend from the mountain and round up all the sheep. Wary of what is happening, Papa Sheep sends out an SOS to his old friend Mr. Hare, who, at great risk to his personal safety, comes to their rescue. Then, once the sheep are safely ensconced in Mr. Hare’s island community, all of the inhabitants work together to protect them until the danger has passed. Within that hospitality, we see the trust and decency that are essential if we are to live together and thrive.

This powerful fable is based on author Kelly Matathia-Covo’s own family’s story of surviving the Holocaust. An introductory author’s note provides historical context that offers insights relevant to our contemporary times.