A few weeks ago I reviewed the beautiful new picture book Wear a Purple Poppy. I was going to schedule it for today but knew that there would be many who would wish to order in time to share, now that everyone is well and truly back at school. So here are a few more resources to add to those in the review.
I had the absolute pleasure of Mark visiting my library when this book was recently published. The kiddos and I were enthralled with Mark’s photos and other items from his research trip to the Gallipoli peninsula. This is, without doubt, the best on this much-loved of our war animal heroes, and was awarded his equally heroic mate. Simpson and his Donkey was Honour Book in 2009 for the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, Children’s Book Council of Australia and was short-listed for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award, 2008.
Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic children’s novel… In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has the seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story. War Horse was adapted by Steven Spielberg as a major motion picture with Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The National Theatre production opened in 2007 and has enjoyed successful runs in the West End and on Broadway. A great way of introducing young readers to the realities of WWI. Look out for Morpurgo’s other war fiction including Friend or Foe, Waiting for Anya, King of the Cloud Forests and An Eagle in the Snow. War Horse is a story of universal suffering for a universal audience by a writer who `has the happy knack of speaking to both child and adult readers’ (The Guardian). Michael Morpurgo has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. [wob.com]. This outstanding book from one of my all-time favourite authors has had many ‘dresses’ since it’s first publication but I’ve always liked this one. There is also the adapted picture book version.
Published by Penguin Australia and from our own Morris Gleitzman, inspired and drawing on our Australian history.
A heart-rending journey of friendship and bravery, as a boy and his horse forge an unbreakable bond while navigating a world at war.
‘Tender and terrible; beautiful, brave and brutal … one of very best novels I have read.’ Michael Morpurgo
*NOTABLE BOOK – CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2015*
*SHORTLISTED – Australian Book Industry Awards 2015*
*SHORTLISTED – REAL Children’s Choice Awards 2016*
*SHORTLISTED – Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2015*
They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse, but war doesn’t always pay heed to loyalty.
This is the powerful story of a 16-year-old volunteer and his horse in World War One and the journey towards his own kind of bravery.
Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the grand adventure and do his bit. Specially as a chest full of medals might impress the currently unimpressed parents of his childhood sweetheart. So Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy … and his dad.
In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn’t expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.
From Gallipoli to the famous charge at Beersheba, through to the end of the war and its unforgettable aftermath, Frank’s story grows out of some key moments in Australia’s history.
From another master storyteller, and Walker Books: Stubby was a brave soldier, a loyal friend… and a dog. From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sergeant Stubby, the dog who served bravely in the First World War, sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.
Based on the true American story from World War One the atmospheric illustrations and simple text of Stubby gives a moving insight into the horrors of the war as seen through the story of the exceptional contribution of a stray dog.
LoveReading4Kids
Harper Collins: From Hannibal’s elephants to World War One carrier pigeons and parachuting dogs in World War Two, children can discover how extraordinary animals have shaped the course of conflicts across the centuries. Inspiring tales of the often heroic roles animals have played in modern and ancient wars. Published in association with the Imperial War Museum.
Hachette:
An inspiring story of animals at war, written and illustrated by award-winning author Mark Wilson.
FLAPPER, VC is based on the true story of an Australian carrier pigeon during World War II. Raised and trained in Australia, Flapper is sent off to war in the Pacific. While on patrol deep in the jungle, Flapper’s unit find themselves surrounded by enemy troops. With no other means of communication, the men’s only hope of survival is Flapper, who has to evade enemy snipers and machine guns to get a message through to save the patrol.
Flapper was awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross for his actions that day, and his medal is proudly displayed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
This memorable tale, illustrated with Mark Wilson’s beautifully crafted and evocative artwork, is a moving story of animals in war.
A CBCA Notable book.
For those who use Epic! a number of very useful titles across levels. Helpful Military Animals e.g.,
Imperial War Museum: Animals that went to war
Dept of Veterans Afffairs : Animals in the military during World War I
National Archives (USA): Buddies: Soldiers and Animals in World War II
The Role of Animals in World War I
Brittanica: Use of service animals
U.S. animals now have a medal for wartime bravery Animals in War and Peace
See some of the 67 animals who’ve been handed the Dickin Medal for bravery
Animals in war: Gallery of the brave and gallant
Just So Stories 
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