In honour of Remembrance Day, here are three picture books that vividly depict life in Europe during World War II, appropriate for different age groups.
A Year of Borrowed Men by Michelle Barker, illustrated by Renne Benoit (Pajama Press, 2016)
Told from the perspective of a seven-year-old girl, this is the story of a German family who takes in French prisoners of war to help run their farm during World War II. Although the rules set by the German government were strict Gerda manages to show kindness to the three POWs and they end the war as friends. This picture book with its soft illustrations is based on the experience of the author’s mother. It ends with an author’s note and photographs. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.
The Greatest Skating Race: A World War II Story from the Netherlands by Louise Borden, illustrated by Niki Daly (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004)
In the winter of 1941 ten-year-old Piet dreams of racing in the Elfstedentocht, the greatest skating race in the world. But his present challenge is to skate 16 km along the canals to take two neigbour kids to safety after their father is arrested by the Germans. The details and characters are well portrayed in this dramatic tale, complemented by fine illustrations. At the end you can learn more about the Elfsedentocht and the history of skating. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Rose Blanche by Roberto Innocenti (Creative Education Inc, 1985)
Rose Blanche (name taken from a group of German citizens who protested the war) matter of factly describes the changes that happen to her small German town when war begins. She takes food to the starving children in a nearby concentration camp until one day she doesn’t come back out of the forest. A very sad story with detailed illustrations. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Related picture books you might want to look into: World War I, Canadian internment camps, Remembrance Day.