100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders 🚀

Once And Then

4.43 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 1,174 ratings, 99 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Once And Then by Morris Gleitzman, the young protagonist, Felix, embarks on a journey through Nazi-occupied Poland in search of his parents. With a resilient spirit, Felix navigates the perils of war, forming unexpected friendships and facing harrowing challenges. The story explores themes of hope, courage, and the power of storytelling amidst adversity.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2700
Elsewhere:
$3000
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy stories about resilience and friendship during difficult times. It follows a young boy's journey through war-torn Europe, capturing the heart and spirit needed to face unimaginable challenges. Ideal for readers who appreciate historical fiction with an emotional and inspiring narrative.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Felix escapes from an orphanage, only to learn that Poland is a dangerous place for a Jewish boy on his own. He manages to look after himself and another orphan, Zelda. But when the Nazis uncover their hiding place, they must once again run for their lives. Although he promised Zelda he would never leave, he knows he has to, before it's too late.


The bestselling Once and its sequel Then, now published in the one edition for the first time.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Once, Felix escapes from an orphanage, only to learn that Poland is a dangerous place for a Jewish boy on his own. He manages to look after himself and another young orphan, Zelda, until they are taken under the protection of a kind Polish dentist. But when the Nazis uncover their hiding place, Felix and Zelda must once again run for their lives.

In Then, Felix and Zelda have escaped from the Nazis, but how long can they survive when there are so many people ready to hand them over for a reward? Thanks to the courage of a kind, brave woman, they are able to live for a while in the open, but Felix knows it's only a matter of time before he's identified as a Jew, which would mean death for them all.

Even though he promised Zelda he would never leave, he knows he has to, before it's too late...

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

I'm sorry.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143203032

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2009

Country: Australia

Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 328g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Morris Gleitzman grew up in England and came to Australia when he was sixteen. After university he worked for ten years as a screenwriter. Then he had a wonderful experience. He wrote a novel for young people. Now, after 36 books, he's one of Australia's most popular children's authors. Visit Morris at his website- morrisgleitzman.com

Also by Morris Gleitzman

View all
  • Once
    Once I escaped from an orphanage to find my Mum and Dad. Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house. Once I made a Nazi with toothache laugh. My name is Felix. This is my story. The reference at the end of the book to readers' notes refers to the teachers' notes which can be found at...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    Backorder
    Ships early August
  • Soon
    I hoped the Nazis would be defeated. And they were. I hoped the war would be over. And it was. I hoped we would be safe. But we aren't. Soon continues the incredibly moving story of Felix, a Jewish boy still struggling to survive in the wake of the liberation of Poland after the end of World War Two.
    Paperback
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Always
    The much-anticipated final journey in the story of Felix, hero of Morris Gleitzman's multi-award-winning Once, Then, After, Soon, Maybe and Now. Notable Book - CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2022 Shortlisted - NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2022 Shortlisted - YABBA Children's Choice Awards 2022 'Haunting... dangerous and desperate, but also full of courage and hope.' The Guardian The powerful...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Girl Underground
    Trying to fit in at a posh new school is really hard when your loving and lovable family also happen to be criminals. Bridget is succeeding pretty well and has even made a friend, Menzies, the son of the federal Minister for National Development. Then she finds out about Menzies' pen-friend, Jamal, a refugee kid from Afghanistan held in a...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Boy Overboard
    A story of adventure, ball control and hope. Jamal and Bibi have a dream: to lead Australia to soccer glory in the next World Cup. But first, they must face landmines, pirates, storms and assassins. Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia? Sometimes, to save the people you love, you have to go overboard....
    Paperback
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Grace
    A thought-provoking and compassionate novel from the award-winning author of Boy Overboard, Girl Underground, and the Felix stories—Once, Then, Now, After, Soon, and Maybe. "A serious message wrapped up in greatness of heart and lightness of touch." The Bookbag In the beginning, there was me and Mum and Dad and the twins. And talk about happy families, we were bountiful....
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Toad Heaven
    Another hilarious wart-tingling story from Morris Gleitzman. The stirring saga of one slightly squashed cane toad's dreams of a safe place. And what happens when he wakes up. Discover the adventures in Toad Heaven.
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Toad Rage
    Another hilarious wart-tingling story from Morris Gleitzman. Toad Rage tells the epic story of one slightly squashed cane toad's hunt for the truth. And the fun and games that result.
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Wicked! Bind Up
    Something very weird is happening to Dawn and Rory. And it's not just their new step-family. Slurping slobberers want to suck their bones out. Strange steel sheep want to smash them to pieces. Giant frogs want to crunch them up. Cruel killer creepers want to squeeze the life out of them. Their parents can't help them. Dawn and Rory are...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Childish
    A story about why kids are the best people to fix broken things. Childish - 1. Being a child. 2. Solving big problems using only a really good friendship, an endless supply of the world's best dumplings, and a thousand kilos of plasticine. 3. E.g., Arkie and Dot.
    Paperback
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Deadly! Bindup
    All six books in one! Join Amy and Sprocket as they uncover deadly secret after deadly secret on the most tumultuous journey of their lives. An adventure full of delight, terror, tears, and laughter, Deadly! Bindup will leave you gasping. It's daring! It's dangerous! It's deadly!
    Paperback
    $2600
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Digging Up Dad
    Another winning set of short stories from one of our best-loved authors, on a theme for our times—kids helping adults to be their best selves. Funny, hopeful stories just when we need all the hope and humour we can get! Digging Up Dad offers brilliantly funny short stories for middle school readers from the ever-popular Morris Gleitzman, in the hilarious...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Young Adult

View all
  • New Release
    Song of the Saltings
    On the isolated island of Brack, the people live by an ancient bargain: every year, a sacrifice must be made to the Glimm, the creature that haunts the salt marshes. Eight years ago, it should have taken Lotta. Instead, the monster spared her and claimed her pony, shattering tradition and anointing her both folk hero and object of suspicion. Now...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Tell Me with Kisses
    From New York Times bestselling author and Wattpad sensation Mercedes Ron comes the English translation of the third in the Tell Me series, where Kamila Hamilton is caught between the two Di Bianco brothers after they burst back into her life. From New York Times bestselling author and Wattpad sensation Mercedes Ron comes the English translation of the third in...
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Release Me
    The searing second volume in a new series set in the #1 global bestselling Shatter Me universe ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment. Rosabelle Wolff had a plan. Now she wants revenge. To save her sister she needs to get back home and destroy the system that created her. Rosabelle’s greatest strength is her ability to deaden her...
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Language of Dragons
    The most exciting debut of 2025 – an incredible fantasy Dark Academia, perfect for fans of Babel, Fourth Wing, and the Scholomance trilogy. EVERY FIRE STARTS WITH A SINGLE SPARK. Welcome to Bletchley Park… with dragons. London, 1923. Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivien Featherswallow isn’t worried. She’s going to follow the rules,...
    Paperback
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Cozy Corner
    Relax and unwind with this adorable colouring book – it’s time to get cozy! Step into a world of calm and comfort with Cozy Corner, featuring 45 beautiful hand-drawn pages ready for you to colour in. Settle into your very own cozy corner with these brand new colouring pages! This follow-up to Coco Wyo's beloved Little Corner promises a new...
    Paperback
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Bunny vs Monkey: The Great Big Glitch (a Phoenix Comic Book): the instant number one bestselling book from Jamie Smart, Illustrator of the Year
    When Bunny, Monkey and friends discover a glitch in reality, life gets even crazier than normal: Bunny declares himself The Woods' Magical Protector, Pig becomes a superspy, plus there's complete metal Monkey mayhem! Experience the laughs and chaos in Bunny vs Monkey: The Great Big Glitch (a Phoenix Comic Book), the instant number one bestselling book from Jamie Smart, Illustrator...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Summer I Turned Pretty
    The Summer I Turned Pretty is now a major new TV series on Amazon Prime! If you loved The Kissing Booth and Jenny Han's smash-hit Netflix movie series To All the Boys I Loved Before, then you'll adore this gorgeously funny, romantic story! Everything that happened this past summer, and every summer before it, has all led up to this....
    Paperback
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
    A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is the New York Times No.1 bestselling YA crime thriller that has captivated readers globally. Now adapted into a major BBC series, this intricately plotted and intensely gripping novel is being lauded as a modern classic in young adult literature. Pippa Fitz-Amobi, an intelligent and determined high school student, is looking...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Powerless
    OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD! THE INSTANT NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON. ‘Nothing short of epic’ - Rosie Talbot, bestselling author of Sixteen Souls ‘A thrilling fantasy with the most delicious slow-burn romance’ - M.A. Kuzniar, bestselling author of Midnight in Everwood ‘[A] titillating debut’ - Publishers Weekly ‘A masterpiece’ - Goodreads Reader Review ‘Everyone needs to read it’ -...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2899
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Free Gift
    The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
    Louise Rennison for the Dork Diaries generation - hilarious, relatable and full of heart. The first book in the hilarious new series for children by the bestselling creator of Hurrah For Gin. The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks follows Lottie Brooks, who is 11 and feels like her life is already officially over. Not only is she about to...
    Paperback
    $1799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Free Gift
    Lottie Brooks's Totally Disastrous School-Trip
    The fourth book in this hilarious bestselling series full of friendship, family, and first experiences from the creator of Hurrah for Gin. Lottie Brooks's Totally Disastrous School-Trip continues to navigate the many perils of growing up in this fantastically funny illustrated series for a 9-12 audience, filled with friendship, embarrassing moments, and plenty of lols. Woe is me. So much...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Fearless
    OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD. THE SIZZLING FINALE TO THE NO 1 BESTSELLING ROMANTASY PHENOMENON! Praise for Powerless: ‘Nothing short of epic’—Rosie Talbot, bestselling author of Sixteen Souls ‘A thrilling fantasy with the most delicious slow-burn romance’—M.A. Kuzniar, bestselling author of Midnight in Everwood ‘[A] titillating debut’—Publishers Weekly ‘A masterpiece’—Goodreads Reader Review ‘Everyone needs to read it’—TikTok Review ‘The BEST...
    Hardback
    $4000
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.