- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 9115 KB
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Skyhook Press (May 27 2014)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00KHHBYU6
Book Description
In time for the World War I centennial, Aaron’s popular story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 is available as the picture book Christmas Truce. Illustrations are by Wendy Edelson, author of Aaron’s Christmas picture book The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale. The book is available now on Kindle and will be published in September in hardcover and paperback. The story may be found on this site in versions for reading, reader’s theater (both regular and small-team), and storytelling. Aaron’s Extras includes performances of the story by Lakes Area Theatre and the Chamber Readers.
Christmas Day, 1914
My dear sister Janet,
It is 2:00 in the morning and most of our men are asleep in their dugouts -- yet I could not sleep myself before writing to you of the wonderful events of Christmas Eve. In truth, what happened seems almost like a fairy tale, and if I hadn't been through it myself, I would scarce believe it. Just imagine: While you and the family sang carols before the fire there in London, I did the same with enemy soldiers here on the battlefields of France!
The Christmas Truce of 1914 is one of the most extraordinary incidents not only of World War I but of all military history. Providing inspiration for songs, books, plays, and movies, it has endured as an archetypal image of peace. Yet much about the historic event remains shrouded in myth and legend.
In this fictional letter -- illustrated in authentic detail by Wendy Edelson -- award-winning author Aaron Shepard draws from firsthand accounts of soldiers at the front to portray the truce in its true nature and spirit.
About the Author and Illustrator
Aaron Shepard's many books for young people have won honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the American Folklore Society, and the National Council for the Social Studies. Visit him at www.aaronshep.com.
Wendy Edelson has been honored with the Pacific Northwest Book Award, the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, and the Mom's Choice Award. Her other illustrated books include Aaron's "The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale." Visit her at www.wendyedelson.com.
My Review
2014 is the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I. This delightful book for older children is available now on Kindle and will be published in hardcover in September.
War is much different in our present world than it was 100 years ago. World War I was fought by emperors and kings who were power hungry and all actually related to each other. It was not an ideological war. Europe is not a large place. The myths surrounding the Christmas truce are replaced by fact in this book which is beautifully illustrated by Wendy Edelson. This book shows young people how similar the opposing forces actually were. It was a time when Christmas was still magical. It had not been replaced by crass commercialism and by political correctness.
I highly recommend this book for young and old alike. It is eye-opening and heartwarming. Great Christmas book!
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