As Remembrance Day is approaching we have been talking to the children about remembrance and the significance of wearing a poppy.
It’s so important that the younger generation, like all of us, appreciate how lucky they are. I want my children to be aware of the sacrifices made by so many.
It’s not about politics, or whether we believe they should be fighting in the first place. It’s about honouring and respecting the men, women and animals who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can all enjoy the freedoms we have today.
There are some lovely Remembrance Day books for children that help explain it all in a child-friendly, empathetic way.
Here are some of our favourites.
Our Top Five Remembrance Day Books For Children
Where The Poppies Now Grow by Hilary Robinson
Award-winning duo Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey tell us the tale of two friends who play together as children and then go off to the First World War together.
Where The Poppies Now Grow tells of the battles and injuries and their enduring friendship. It’s a gentle rhyming story that deals with conflict sensitively while the watercolour illustrations are evocative without being too graphic or upsetting for young children.
Poppy Field by Michael Foreman
Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction; his children’s stories are some of my favourites.
Poppy Field is beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman while the story is inspired by the history of the poppy.
The book itself is beautiful, I just don’t think the kindle version would have the same impact.
It’s aimed at younger readers but even as an adult I loved the poignant story. I always find it very hard not to be moved by Michael Morpugo’s writing and this book is no exception.
Stubby by Michael Foreman
It’s not just our brave men and women we need to thank for their service, there were so many animals who suffered too.
Stubby is the true story of the dog who bravely served alongside Corporal Robert Conroy and became the most decorated war dog of World War One.
The story highlights the horror of war but is also a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty and courage.
The illustrations are lovely, as you would expect from Michael Foreman.
The Christmas Truce by Carol Ann Duffy
The famous story of the Christmas Truce is retold by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
The book celebrates the truce between the enemies on Christmas Day 1914. While the story is touching, it’s also heartbreaking and really highlights the futility of war.
It’s beautifully illustrated which perfectly complements the poignant words on the page.
The Story Of The First World War for Children by John Malam
My eldest son is a lover of facts. He wants to know why, when and how and is forever reciting things he has learnt at school.
The Story Of The First World War For Children is the perfect book for him. It’s packed full of facts in easy to read chunks, meaning it’s easy to dip in and out of.
There are true stories that give the facts a more human touch. It gave my kids an accurate understanding of what happened and why.