55 Socks

Co Hoedeman—a Dutch-born Canadian animator best known for his Academy Award–winning short The Sand Castle—brings uncommon sensitivity to this adaptation of Marie Jacobs' poem about survival during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. During the winter of 1944–45, wartime conditions for the Dutch people were harrowing because of Nazi control of the nation's food supplies. In 55 Socks, as edibles grow scarce, four women who share a home decide to use the wool from a treasured bedspread to barter for something to eat. They carefully unravel the fabric and knit woolen socks, producing 27 pairs plus one extra without a wooly mate. One woman carefully packs the footwear in a basket and bicycles into the rural village, hoping to locate a farm where she can trade her wares for fresh provisions. Hoedeman's direction resonates with a calm yet steely beauty, brilliantly evoking the emotional drama of the resourceful knitters who placidly survey their difficult circumstances and resolve to overcome adversity with dignity and grace. An extraordinary paean to the human spirit, this 2013 ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Video selection is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: E, I, J, H, C, P. (P. Hall)