CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR REMEMBRANCE IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST

A selection of childrens books for Remembrance reviewed for The South Wales Evening Post. Including the World War I bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh, a Narnian adventure set against World War II, the true story of the First World War's Footballs Battalion and a picture book explaining the concept of war and peace to the very young,

This review can be found in the weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post Nov 12-13th

BOOK OF THE WEEK

FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The real life story and inspiration of Winnie the Pooh. When soldier and vet Harry finds a real bear cub at a station in 1914 he decides to keep her and takes her to war where she becomes a much loved mascot. This delightful story, charmingly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, describes their wonderful relationship and later how Christopher Robin met Winnie in London Zoo. It is made especially poignant with photos of the 'real Winnie' at the end.
ISBN 9781408340240 PB Orchard Books £5.99

GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES BY STEVE ANTONY
PICTURE BOOK 4+
An accessible way to explain to children about war and peace. Green lizards disagree with the red rectangles which escalates, through lack of communication, into a terrible and long fight. The strong colourful visuals cleverly symbolise the power struggles between both sides until they call a truce when someone questions their actions. It shows the futility of war and how it is better to talk however different the opposite sides are. An excellent book for class discussion.
ISBN 9781444920116 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL BY MEGAN SHEPHERD
CHILDRENS 8+
When Emmaline, alone and traumatised, is evacuated to a countryside hospital during World War II she discovers a secret. There are winged horses living beyond the mirrors and only she can protect them. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Michael Morpurgo books it explores friendship, love and loss. Wonderfully illustrated by Levi Pinfold his atmospheric paintings of horses and war time life will captivate history, art and animal lovers alike and make a wonderful gift.
ISBN 9781406367584 HB Walker Books £12.99

OVER THE LINE BY TOM PALMER
CHILDRENS 9+
Jack is about to live his dream as a pro footballer but its 1914 and soon is heading to the front line. This movingly true story of the Footballers Battalion paints a vivid picture of life in the trenches including the filth, the rats and loss. It also tells of courage, friendship and honor. A gripping read for those interested in history and football as well as reluctant readers. There are also teacher resources for class discussion to accompany.
ISBN 9781781125861 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99



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