Comments on: Ritual, Respect, Regret & Reflection: The Unknown Soldier

By: Jill (The Well-Read Child)

Jill (The Well-Read Child) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:18:29 +0000

This sounds like an amazing book as does Angel Girl and many of your other War and Peace themed books. I used to teach ESL to middle graders and high school students from around the world, many of whom were from war-torn countries. What surprised me the most is that they WANTED to talk about their experiences, some of which were horrifying. While it may have been painful, I think they would have definitely appreciated these books and truly identified with them. Thanks for talking about them.

By: Just One More Book!!

Just One More Book!! — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:04:51 +0000

Thanks, Clare!
And thanks for making us a stop on your non-fiction round today.

By: Clare Bell

Clare Bell — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:14:48 +0000

Good post. Kids need to understand war and all its consequences. The more they know, the better the chance that future generations will be able to avoid it. I have tried in my own work to show workable alternatives to fighting, even though my characters are ferocious cats.
BTW, I really enjoyed your presentation at KidLit08 – “There’s a Podcaster At The End Of This Book”. Keep up the great work. Peace. CB

By: Nonfiction Monday Round-up « Picture Book of the Day

Nonfiction Monday Round-up « Picture Book of the Day — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:52:07 +0000

[...] Book of the Day (Sharks) 2. JOMB (The Unknown Soldier) 3. JOMB (A Bear in War) 4. Lori Calabrese Writes (Dirt on Their Skirts) 5. Abby the Librarian [...]

By: Do you include war & peace in your young children’s reading?

Do you include war & peace in your young children’s reading? — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:38:24 +0000

[...] You can find some of our favourite books on war and peace themes here [...]

By: SugarJones

SugarJones — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:10 +0000

My daughter keeps asking me about war. I try to explain it to her, but there are far too many aspects of why, how, who, what… each question leading me down a path of what-is-too-much-information-for-this-innocent-heart? I think this is a great way to explain. There’s so much compassion for people when told in this way. Thanks!

By: Just One More Book!!

Just One More Book!! — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:46:16 +0000

Lee,

Thanks for listening & for commenting. Congrats on number eleven!

Our personal children’s book collection, and our year-round reading, has always included a huge number of books on themes of war & peace. I believe that these books and the many, far-reaching conversations that result from reading these books together are essential tools toward understanding, appreciating and preserving Peace.

If we don’t agree with war, I believe that we must give our children a safe but honest look at the global and very personal costs of war in hopes that they’ll understand the absolute importance of choosing peace.

Very sad reading, indeed, but hopefully leading to a less sad and more peaceful future.

Andrea

By: Lee Wind

Lee Wind — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:06:01 +0000

It seems such an unlikely subject for a children’s book, and yet… it is also really important. I find that it’s really challenging explaining WAR to my 5 year old daughter. Especially when I don’t agree with it. Especially when the costs in lives is so high. Especially…

Thanks for including a discussion of books about the darker side of human choices, and the consequences. I agree with your girls that it sounds like a sad book.

important, but sad.

best,
Lee

By: Just One More Book!!

Just One More Book!! — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:16:07 +0000

Thank you for listening and for taking time to comment. Linda Granfield is doing Remembrance presentations in libraries and schools this month and I hear that she is a fabulous speaker.

By: Judy Howard

Judy Howard — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:53:04 +0000

My children’s staff passed on your website so I could listen to the podcast of the Unknown Soldier by Linda Granstein. I listened and was quite moved. We have Linda’s book in our library collection and after reading it this morning I was moved to tears.
Judy Howard