Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World

by Douglas Wood, Barry Moser (Illustrator)

A compelling look at two leaders who held the world's fate in their hands-- and the holiday visit that sealed a friendship and steered the course of World War II.

At the height of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill held an extraordinary month-long visit, during which they planned the success of the Allied powers and strategized a continuing peace for when the war ended. Moving from witty banter to gravely serious discussions - amid a traditional public celebration of the Christmas holiday - the two cemented a unique bond as they decided how to confront a menace that threatened all of civilization.

Now, on the seventieth anniversary of this event, thanks to the skillful work of author Douglas Wood and illustrator Barry Moser, the story of this remarkable time can be shared with a whole new generation.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Christmas, Nonfiction, Biography, Presidents, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2011

About the author

Composer, recording artist, wilderness guide, and self-taught naturalist-Douglas Wood is perhaps most widely known as the highly acclaimed author of OLD TURTLE, a 1993 ABBY Award winner and an International Reading Association Book of the Year. Author of several books for readers of all ages, Douglas says he is always seeking themes that are universally significant to both children and adults. His first book for Candlewick Press, GRANDAD'S PRAYERS OF THE EARTH-winner of the Christopher Medal for "affirming the highest value of the human spirit"-quietly explores the theme of grief and healing while celebrating a human connection to the natural world and the enduring spirit of love. Douglas Wood kept in mind someone very special to his own life when writing GRANDAD'S PRAYERS OF THE EARTH. "I feel I've been getting ready to write this book all my life, for it is about my wise and gentle hero, my Grandad. It's a prayer and a thank you, a walk in the woods, and a remembering smile; and it is for anyone who has ever had a woods to walk, a prayer to whisper, a hero to love."


Douglas Wood lives with his family in a log cabin on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter, 1941. Winston Churchill was on his way to meet the President of the United States.

He was going to spend Christmas at the White House. He would not be stopped by a mere storm. He would not be stopped by a hurricane.

So begins the story of the Christmas meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt, where the two leaders of the free world partnered to establish the greatest military alliance in history. History and Christmas in one package, beautifully illustrated by the great Barry Moser.

I enjoyed the text and the illustrations, as Wood and Moser make almost as good a team as FDR and Winston. Adults should enjoy reading this to children at holiday time, and the little ones will love Moser's transparent watercolours.

Trust me to the bitter end.

Book Season = Winter (blood, toil, tears, and reindeer)

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

We'd read and even owned several picture books by this author when my son was much younger but somehow we had missed reading this gem. Highly recommend!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a picture book about World War II that doesn't feature death and dying, this story of the 1941 meetings between Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt is it.

[Marfita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book. The watercolors are amazing but every now and then I would get the suspicion that the face of FDR in several illustrations was from the same photo. The cover bears the iconic images of FDR and Churchill (both with their tobacco habits prominent) divided by a red band. It's very striking.
I'm never quite sure who the target audience is for books like this, both informative but lightweight - like a children's version of a coffee table book. It covers an important moment in history, but very much in a rah-rah style. Was the US Congress really so uniformly swayed by Churchill? Perhaps Congress was different then.
I'm sure war machine enthusiasts (many of whom are boys, but not all!) would be excited by the images of aircraft. They'll also get a good giggle out of an unrepentantly flabby (but suitably draped) Churchill about to get in the bath.
Despite what the text says, Fala does not look pleased. The set-up of that illustration, with the Scottish terrier in the foreground making it look much larger than normal, reminds me of Churchill's "black dog," his battle with depression. And Fala really does look mournful.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audience and the format of the book are at odds with each other. A picture book usually implies a younger audience, but this is fairly sophisticated history, probably best understood by grade 5 or older. As another reviewer remarked, the point of the meeting and the results from it, are not clear until the afterword is read. The story is told with enthusiasm but what makes this book stand out are Moser's illustrations. The book works, but only if an older child picked up a "baby's" book and read it and absorbed the illustrations. It has made me interested to know more about the friendship between Winston and FDR now.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully told and illustrated, this picture book suffers from one -- unfortunately common and difficult to avoid -- flaw: it oversimplifies the Allied leaders, the circumstances they faced, and their actions in a way that verges on historical dishonesty. As part of a more complete selection of readings on World War II, this is a valuable story; alone, it's little more than an idealization.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Not a ton of historical knowledge is gained, but an introduction to the friendship and deep trust shared by Winston and Roosevelt. After reading it to my 9 year old, I felt he better saw the two as real men who laughed, worried, made mistakes and so on. The book brings to life these two as they led our world through its darkest days. Perfect for grades 3-5.

[Donalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the 1941 Christmas visit between Churchill and Roosevelt was an historical meeting, I'm not sure the importance of what the two leaders accomplished comes across in this book until you read the author's end notes. Too many mentions of meals and baths, not enough history.

[Karen Witzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up for the Moser illustrations. This is a good introduction to FDR and Churchill , revealing their distinct personalities rather than factual information about the war. Strikingly upbeat for the historical period covered. Good intro to WWII for young readers.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting summary of a Christmas that two world leaders spent together trying to plan a war. It was a little over the head of my toddler and the illustrations weren't enough to keep him interested, except the page with the dog. Definitely for children a little older.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nonfiction picture book that describes Christmas at the White House in 1941 with Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. This is a story of two strong leaders facing tremendous odds to lead their countries to victory against an enemy that "sought to enslave the world." Wood's engaging text and Moser's compelling watercolors work well to bring these men to life while also chronicling the events they were facing. An inspiring and informative picture book!


"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." -- Winston Churchill

"This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper . . . The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -- Franklin Roosevelt

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful that someone recommended this one to me, even if the young and snotty library worker commented about me checking out a children's book. I learned so much from reading this book. Actually, WE learned so much. In an effort to help calm my husband down at night so that bedtime becomes less of a nightmare, we are reading aloud together just before preparing for bedtime. This was a perfect book for our Christmas Eve eve family reading time. How grateful I am for these two leaders and the Christmas season they spent together hatching plans that would indeed not only change the world but save it.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction of the friendship of the two WWII Allied leaders

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of their friendship and collaboration.

[Bob Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retelling of a famous Christmas meeting of two of the world's most politically powerful men as WW II progressed.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World is a nominee for the 2013-2014 South Carolina Children's Book Award.

I'm usually not one for reading much nonfiction, but when I do, I gravitate toward history books that deal with the 1920s through World War II. That period of time showed the best and worst of humanity, and I think it's fascinating. This book only added to my fascination.

The book I just finished reading, Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World, tells of the Christmas of 1941 and Winston Churchill's visit to the White House. During his stay, Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt both cemented their friendship and developed a framework that would take the Allied Powers through the war they were determined to win.

This book is a welcome addition to any library, whether its patrons are children or adults. Young readers will be able to use this book to fill in some gaps in what is present in their history textbooks, and older readers, like myself, may find that they never knew just how close Churchill and Roosevelt grew to be. Franklin and Winston is a perfect fit for many states' social studies standards (in a number of grade levels), so it is also a good fit for classroom libraries. (I would even say that it would make an excellent Christmas gift for the history buff in your life.)

The artwork in this book, done in watercolors by Barry Moser, is wonderful, and much of it is based on actual photographs of Churchill's visit to the White House during the Christmas of 1941. Readers may find it interesting to compare the illustrators renderings with the actual photos. (This may serve as a way to collaborate between art and social studies teachers.)

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good picture book about the friendship between FDR and Winston Churchill. It is a memoir of an important Christmas they spent together in 1941 - at the White House!

The Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor on that December 7th, and Churchill was intent on getting the U.S. allied in the world war. What's so great about this book is that it shows the humanity of each man and their friendship which developed during this momentous visit. This would be awesome to read aloud to 5th graders at Christmas!

Look at what was accomplished during this visit: The greatest military alliance in history was established, a charter for the United Nations was crafted, the commanders of land, sea, and air forces were appointed, combined chiefs of staff created, the expansion of American industry to produce massive quantities of munitions and war materials was set in motion, and plans to liberate more than 30 countries and hundreds of millions of people - to eventually win the World War - all these things were brought about at this visit. Not all these events are described in the book. The author's purpose was to show the humanity, intelligence, and good humor that each man brought forth in the forging of this friendship and Great Alliance.

This is an outstanding book - worthy to be on the shelves of every public library. The illustrator did a fine job with all the paintings in this book as well. This is a treasure.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the Christmas of 1941, the United States has just entered WWII after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This picture book biography describes a crucial meeting of the two world leaders, Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, during that December. Young readers will enjoy reading about the playful nature, shared bonds, and determination of the two men. The author focuses on the human side to these very different individuals rather than describing their policy meetings. An afterword spells out some of the actions that originated in those meetings and dinners at the White House, and a note from the author describes the impact Churchill and Roosevelt had on his own family, many of whom fought in WWII. There is a bibliography for additional information. I found this title surprisingly appealing since it describes vividly the personalities of the men, and the sumptuous watercolor illustrations complement the text beautifully.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book for middle grades and up. Beautiful illustrated book about the Christmas that Churchill spent at the White House at the beginning of World War II. Particularly good for middle school students, but intermediate students at my school are highly interested in World War II right now. I can't find enough books for them right now. This visit is particularly fascinating as these two powerful men met together for a holiday and celebrated quietly while planning a defense of two horrendous invasions that threatened to take over the world entirely. It isn't a "cutesy" Christmas book. It is a book that can be used by history teachers throughout the school yer.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having done a thesis on the Special Relationship between the United State and Great Britain, I obviously have a soft spot for these two men. Douglas Wood has done a surprisingly good job capturing the essence of these great leaders, their motivations, and their grand alliance. Through the lens of Christmas 1941 which Churchill spent at the White House with Roosevelt, Wood takes us through the various decisions, crises, and issues boiled down, so a child can understand. I'd love to see this book get recognition through an award next year.

[Congetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to these two leaders and their friendship. It wasn't overwhelming in the amount of information introduced. It told one part of a larger story and it was nice to read about something positive that came about because of something negative. I'm guessing they wouldn't have had the friendship they did if they didn't have to work together to overcome the Axis Powers.

I introduced it to my middle grade son as a partial biography and history of two men during a rough time in our recent history. A small bit of facts to add to his growing knowledge bank of WWII.

[Allie Tully · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome story about the friendship of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. It is based on the true story of Winston spending Christmas with Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and how their friendship changed the outcome of WWII. It provides readers with a unique perspective on history through the bond Roosevelt and Churchill shared. I would use this book with fourth grade and above. Embedded in the story, is a great deal of US history and content.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is Bravo! This is a good marriage of text and illustrations. Barry Moser's illustrations are superb, Douglas Wood's text captures I believe the essence of the Franklin & Churchill’s relationship. Wood covers both Franklin’s & Churchill’s key elements through their lives including the tribulations.

[Judy]

In picture book format, this book tells the story of the historic meeting of FDR and Churchill at the White House at Christmastime 1941, right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Together they forged a military alliance between Great Britain and the US to fight against the Nazi's, crafted a charter for the United Nations, and planned the movements of what would become WWII.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fascinating look into Winston Churchill’s extended stay at the White House during December of 1941; when he and Roosevelt began the strategizing of World War II and each nation’s role in the Allied Powers. I loved how the narration and fantastic illustrations work together to humanize these larger than life leaders during this tumultuous turning point in World History.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there is some hagiography, it can be forgiven in context. Splendid large format, lifelike watercolor illustrations and text liberally sprinkled with stirring quotes tells the story of The time Franklin and Churchill spent together as they cemented their relationship and prepared to join together to defeat Fascism. Kids will love this.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children’s book that was on a ”modern history” booklist. I really enjoyed it and my kids did too. Ever since I played them the song Bismarck by Johnny Horton they love anything related to “the ship”. They really liked getting a closer picture of Churchill since he’s mentioned in the song as well.

[Teresa Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book interesting but I doubt it will be popular among my students. I think it would be a good addition to a unit of study about WWII. I doubt many elementary students will have the background knowledge to really appreciate this footnote to history.

[Lin Lin]

This book is about Prime Minister Churchill coming to spend his Christmas at the White House with President Roosevelt in 1941 . Mr. Churchill addressed the Congress of the United States before the two countries established the military alliance in WWII.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully awful. It is at constant odds with itself. The only redeeming quality is the lovely, whole page illustration of Winston Churchill wearing nothing but a bath towel. That will really grab the kid’s attention!