With the centenary of World War 1 beginning this year, parents may be looking for age-appropriate ways to explain the concept of war and sacrifice to their children.These picture books range from feel-good to emotionally challenging, and focus on themes such as friendship, suffering, compassion and loss.
These age guides will depend on the individual; some children may need preparation beforehand and debriefing afterwards. Most of the stories contain some historical information at the back for added understanding.
On his way to war, soldier Sam comes across a puppy in need of a home and decides to take her with him to the front.
The puppy, Freda, soon becomes a lifeline for Sam as he loses his friends and struggles with the war. (There is no mention of whether it would have been kinder to have left Freda at home).
This story tells of the horrors of war without being too confronting and it has an incredibly happy ending. The final pages tell the story of the Great Dane who served as inspiration. Ages 6+.
A young soldier rescues a small bantam from a hedge near a village in France and takes her with him to the trenches.
Arthur and Bertha the bantam are both a bit henpecked and soon form a strong bond.
This story, first published in 1996, focuses more on the friendships than the hardships, which makes it a good choice for younger children.
There's a nod to rural soldiers as Arthur yearns for his life back on the farm.
He eventually returns to care for a whole flock of bantams. Ages 3-7.
This is the one that gets me every time.
Things start out as a lark but soon turn serious and - spoiler alert - Jim dies.
Despite this, it isn't graphic or grim.
The illustrations are wonderful and emotional and contrast war and home life beautifully.
The book includes letters that can be removed from envelopes and at the back of the book there's information for older children about the campaign.
The stories about underage soldiers are especially heartbreaking. Ages 5-12.
Based on true events, this is the story of Australian soldier Guy Haydon and his horse Midnight.
Together they sail across the world, are separated when Guy is sent to Gallipoli and are reunited only to take part in the Charge of Beersheba.
Spoiler alert again: Midnight doesn't make it.
The bright illustrations and minimal words make this book feel suitable for a young audience but parents will need to judge for themselves.
There is further information on Beersheba as well as real photos of Guy and Midnight together, which are pretty special to see. Ages 5+.
Three inseparable friends head to war - Harry, Joe and the narrator.
They sail to the other side of the world, see the sights and then they're sent to Gallipoli where Joe becomes sick and where Harry is killed and buried.
Joe and the narrator survive, are reunited and decades later travel back to Gallipoli to say goodbye to Harry.
This is a very sad story told in a fairly matter-of-fact way.
It contains a lot of information that will be of interest to older children, including some facts about the campaign and the Anzacs. Ages 6-10.
Laura Hewson is an ODT subeditor and mother.
