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Christmas in the Trenches
Set in the trenches during World War I, this haunting story is based on a true event known as the Christmas Truce and is adapted by award-winning songwriter John McCutcheon. Full color. With CD
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
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About the author
John McCutcheon
7 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John McCutcheon is an American folk music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and writer.
John McCutcheon is an American folk music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 23, 2016
A sweet, beautiful, timeless story! My siblings and I loved it; it's perfect for Christmas!
December 25, 2017
Decided this would be a good read for Christmas Eve and I was right! This is one of my favorite Christmas stories and it’s really touching and emotional (I mean the real Christmas truce story that this book is about, not the Robot Chicken version, though if you haven’t seen that, look it up, it’s great!).
What’s it about?
It’s the story of the Christmas Truce in WWI (1914).
Why it gets 5 stars:
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories and like most great stories, it never gets old! It’s really nice! It’s also cool because it’s a true story and it shows how wonderful Christmas is, it can even postpone a war for a day, that’s amazing!
The illustrations are fantastic. I kept pausing for a minute to admire them, so wonderful.
The narrative is really good.
This includes a little CD with 2 songs and a telling of the story from the book, I didn’t listen to the storytelling track (I did just read it) but I did listen to the 2 songs, both of them were good.
I read picture books no matter how old I am (a good book’s a good book) but I know most of them are mostly for kids including this one I’m glad to see somebody trying to teach kids history in a book that isn’t cheesy. Too often I think that history books for kids are a bit too cheesy and poorly written (don’t get me started on Nathan Hale’s One Dead Spy) but this one isn’t and I’m glad especially since history is both interesting and important.
Overall:
This is a great book! I highly recommend it and hope you all have a merry Christmas!
5/5
What’s it about?
It’s the story of the Christmas Truce in WWI (1914).
Why it gets 5 stars:
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories and like most great stories, it never gets old! It’s really nice! It’s also cool because it’s a true story and it shows how wonderful Christmas is, it can even postpone a war for a day, that’s amazing!
The illustrations are fantastic. I kept pausing for a minute to admire them, so wonderful.
The narrative is really good.
This includes a little CD with 2 songs and a telling of the story from the book, I didn’t listen to the storytelling track (I did just read it) but I did listen to the 2 songs, both of them were good.
I read picture books no matter how old I am (a good book’s a good book) but I know most of them are mostly for kids including this one I’m glad to see somebody trying to teach kids history in a book that isn’t cheesy. Too often I think that history books for kids are a bit too cheesy and poorly written (don’t get me started on Nathan Hale’s One Dead Spy) but this one isn’t and I’m glad especially since history is both interesting and important.
Overall:
This is a great book! I highly recommend it and hope you all have a merry Christmas!
5/5
November 15, 2022
Based on the true story of what happened Christmas night in 1914 during World War I.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
October 10, 2018
A loving, respectful, reverent, and hopeful retelling of the famous Christmas Eve truce between British and German troops along the No Man's Land border during World War I in the trenches. A story everyone needs to know and internalize.
December 9, 2021
This story always makes me cry. It's a beautiful account of a true happening during World War One. For one brief night there was a truce between the Germans and the English when the two armies celebrated Christmas together. It makes me wish there would never be war again. We all have a common humanity and love and friendship are uniting forces. If only that could be remembered.
November 27, 2013
Summary:
It was Christmas night, all of the presents were unwrapped, the snow covered the ground, and Thomas and Nora were curled up on their Grandpa’s lap. The story begins with Thomas asking his Grandpa if he has a favorite Christmas. Grandpa begins telling his grandchildren about his favorite Christmas in Liverpool, 1914, during the Great War. The children are shocked to discover that their sweet Grandpa was in the war and they express their curiosity. As the two children snuggle closer to their Grandpa, he dives deep into his Christmas story. He tells them about how young he was at the time and how scared they were during the long and cold months in the trenches. They were given no breaks from the war, and they all thought Christmas would be no exception. He made compared the Christmas night in the trenches to the Christmas they just shared as a family, clear skies and frost covered surroundings. They sat in the trenches waiting for the next move from the Germans. They sat in silence for a long time, until suddenly, they heard singing from the enemy side. One of the men in the trench spoke German and he said that the Germans were singing a Christmas carol. The soldiers were shocked, but as soon as the Germans finished their song, they sang right back at them. The Germans began singing a song that sounded very familiar to Grandpa and the other men, it was the song was Silent Night. The enemies joined in unison singing Silent Night in their own languages. Before they knew it, a German started coming toward them. He was holding a truce flag and a Christmas tree. Grandpa was so overwhelmed with excitement that he jumped out of the trench and started walking towards the German, his troop followed right behind him. The two sides began trading trinkets and candy. They even showed each other pictures of their families back at home. There was music, dancing, and playing all night long, almost like there was no war going on at all. Eventually the sun began to rise and they all headed back to their own sides, mesmerized by what had just happened. They went back to waiting in the trenches for the next move to be taken. Grandpa concludes his story by telling Thomas and Nora that he was a hero for one night and hugging them tightly.
Strengths:
• This book shines a light on a very serious time in history. The Grandpa in this story is able to share his experiences with his grandchildren and he is able to paint very clear pictures for the readers. The illustrations do a great job of following the story, but also telling a little bit of the story on their own.
Weaknesses:
• The book is almost too upbeat given the circumstances. Grandpa should have gone into more detail about how cautious they had to be when approaching their enemy. The book would have had a bigger element of suspense if they had explained the fear in more detail.
It was Christmas night, all of the presents were unwrapped, the snow covered the ground, and Thomas and Nora were curled up on their Grandpa’s lap. The story begins with Thomas asking his Grandpa if he has a favorite Christmas. Grandpa begins telling his grandchildren about his favorite Christmas in Liverpool, 1914, during the Great War. The children are shocked to discover that their sweet Grandpa was in the war and they express their curiosity. As the two children snuggle closer to their Grandpa, he dives deep into his Christmas story. He tells them about how young he was at the time and how scared they were during the long and cold months in the trenches. They were given no breaks from the war, and they all thought Christmas would be no exception. He made compared the Christmas night in the trenches to the Christmas they just shared as a family, clear skies and frost covered surroundings. They sat in the trenches waiting for the next move from the Germans. They sat in silence for a long time, until suddenly, they heard singing from the enemy side. One of the men in the trench spoke German and he said that the Germans were singing a Christmas carol. The soldiers were shocked, but as soon as the Germans finished their song, they sang right back at them. The Germans began singing a song that sounded very familiar to Grandpa and the other men, it was the song was Silent Night. The enemies joined in unison singing Silent Night in their own languages. Before they knew it, a German started coming toward them. He was holding a truce flag and a Christmas tree. Grandpa was so overwhelmed with excitement that he jumped out of the trench and started walking towards the German, his troop followed right behind him. The two sides began trading trinkets and candy. They even showed each other pictures of their families back at home. There was music, dancing, and playing all night long, almost like there was no war going on at all. Eventually the sun began to rise and they all headed back to their own sides, mesmerized by what had just happened. They went back to waiting in the trenches for the next move to be taken. Grandpa concludes his story by telling Thomas and Nora that he was a hero for one night and hugging them tightly.
Strengths:
• This book shines a light on a very serious time in history. The Grandpa in this story is able to share his experiences with his grandchildren and he is able to paint very clear pictures for the readers. The illustrations do a great job of following the story, but also telling a little bit of the story on their own.
Weaknesses:
• The book is almost too upbeat given the circumstances. Grandpa should have gone into more detail about how cautious they had to be when approaching their enemy. The book would have had a bigger element of suspense if they had explained the fear in more detail.
December 3, 2013
It was Christmas night, all of the presents were unwrapped, the snow covered the ground, and Thomas and Nora were curled up on their Grandpa’s lap. The story begins with Thomas asking his Grandpa if he has a favorite Christmas. Grandpa begins telling his grandchildren about his favorite Christmas in Liverpool, 1914, during the Great War. The children are shocked to discover that their sweet Grandpa was in the war and they express their curiosity. As the two children snuggle closer to their Grandpa, he dives deep into his Christmas story. He tells them about how young he was at the time and how scared they were during the long and cold months in the trenches. They were given no breaks from the war, and they all thought Christmas would be no exception. He made compared the Christmas night in the trenches to the Christmas they just shared as a family, clear skies and frost covered surroundings. They sat in the trenches waiting for the next move from the Germans. They sat in silence for a long time, until suddenly, they heard singing from the enemy side. One of the men in the trench spoke German and he said that the Germans were singing a Christmas carol. The soldiers were shocked, but as soon as the Germans finished their song, they sang right back at them. The Germans began singing a song that sounded very familiar to Grandpa and the other men, it was the song was Silent Night. The enemies joined in unison singing Silent Night in their own languages. Before they knew it, a German started coming toward them. He was holding a truce flag and a Christmas tree. Grandpa was so overwhelmed with excitement that he jumped out of the trench and started walking towards the German, his troop followed right behind him. The two sides began trading trinkets and candy. They even showed each other pictures of their families back at home. There was music, dancing, and playing all night long, almost like there was no war going on at all. Eventually the sun began to rise and they all headed back to their own sides, mesmerized by what had just happened. They went back to waiting in the trenches for the next move to be taken. Grandpa concludes his story by telling Thomas and Nora that he was a hero for one night and hugging them tightly.
The book is almost too upbeat given the circumstances. Grandpa should have gone into more detail about how cautious they had to be when approaching their enemy. The book would have had a bigger element of suspense if they had explained the fear in more detail.
I think this would be a good book to read to children during the holiday season. It can help make a transition into how many people celebrate holidays all over the world. You could talk about how everyones holiday situations are different.
The book is almost too upbeat given the circumstances. Grandpa should have gone into more detail about how cautious they had to be when approaching their enemy. The book would have had a bigger element of suspense if they had explained the fear in more detail.
I think this would be a good book to read to children during the holiday season. It can help make a transition into how many people celebrate holidays all over the world. You could talk about how everyones holiday situations are different.
November 1, 2012
Artist Henri Sorensen has beautifully illustrated Christmas in the Trenches with the drab colors that depict the drabness of war - though the colors are subdued "Christmas" red and green - as well as the bright cheeriness of the home of young Thomas. Beautiful art to bring to our heart the beauty of the story.
Christmas in the Trenches begins with an elderly gentleman telling his grandson, Thomas, the unbelievable story of the enduring Christmas Spirit that brought two opposing armies into "no-man's-land" to share a peaceful interlude on Christmas when they stepped out of the trenches into the fellowship of their fellowman.
The story written in 1989 is based on the actual event that occurred in 1914 during the "Great War" - WWI. " Although Francis Tolliver is a fictional character, the event depicted in the ballad is true. John McCutcheon met some of the German soldiers involved in this Christmas story when he toured in Belgium." ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christma...).
The song and story are a beautiful telling by John McCutcheon that touches on a war era that now is fading into the background of World history. This children's storybook is a good introduction to that era as well as a telling that the human spirit can surpass the evil that is war.
This lovely hardcover book also includes a CD in the back cover slip of the author beautifully reading the story as well as singing his story-song of Christmas in the Trenches and Silent Night (both in English and German). A wonderful extra!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(Begins Nov. 1 ENDS Nov. 15 12:01 a.m. EST)
http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Christmas in the Trenches by Peachtree Publishers on behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Christmas in the Trenches begins with an elderly gentleman telling his grandson, Thomas, the unbelievable story of the enduring Christmas Spirit that brought two opposing armies into "no-man's-land" to share a peaceful interlude on Christmas when they stepped out of the trenches into the fellowship of their fellowman.
The story written in 1989 is based on the actual event that occurred in 1914 during the "Great War" - WWI. " Although Francis Tolliver is a fictional character, the event depicted in the ballad is true. John McCutcheon met some of the German soldiers involved in this Christmas story when he toured in Belgium." ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christma...).
The song and story are a beautiful telling by John McCutcheon that touches on a war era that now is fading into the background of World history. This children's storybook is a good introduction to that era as well as a telling that the human spirit can surpass the evil that is war.
This lovely hardcover book also includes a CD in the back cover slip of the author beautifully reading the story as well as singing his story-song of Christmas in the Trenches and Silent Night (both in English and German). A wonderful extra!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(Begins Nov. 1 ENDS Nov. 15 12:01 a.m. EST)
http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Christmas in the Trenches by Peachtree Publishers on behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
December 19, 2010
Based a true story, travel back to Christmas in the Trenches during the first World War.
I really like this one, but it's sad. Definitely sad. It isn't how it's presented, the author does nothing to depress you. It's set up as a memory that begins and ends on Chrismas Eve. You're at a grandpa's house, see his favorite Christmas memory (in the trenches), and then you're back in his home 70 years later.
But the more you think about it, the more you realize that it's a story about kids who had Christmas in the middle of a battlefield and then had to go back to fighting the next day, without the choice of just ending it there. 30 yards apart, that's how close the trenches were in WWI. So think about that, think about what's it's like to be 18, and think about it being Christmas.
Now that's I've depressed you, let me go ahead and recommend this book. Seriously, I do. It's a good choice for 5th/6th grade, not only because this is when they start really getting into war books but also because they can handle the questions that go along with this. It's also good because they start thinking that maybe they're pretty lucky.
The wording is a bit awkward in places, so definitely run through it ahead of time for readalouds.
I really like this one, but it's sad. Definitely sad. It isn't how it's presented, the author does nothing to depress you. It's set up as a memory that begins and ends on Chrismas Eve. You're at a grandpa's house, see his favorite Christmas memory (in the trenches), and then you're back in his home 70 years later.
But the more you think about it, the more you realize that it's a story about kids who had Christmas in the middle of a battlefield and then had to go back to fighting the next day, without the choice of just ending it there. 30 yards apart, that's how close the trenches were in WWI. So think about that, think about what's it's like to be 18, and think about it being Christmas.
Now that's I've depressed you, let me go ahead and recommend this book. Seriously, I do. It's a good choice for 5th/6th grade, not only because this is when they start really getting into war books but also because they can handle the questions that go along with this. It's also good because they start thinking that maybe they're pretty lucky.
The wording is a bit awkward in places, so definitely run through it ahead of time for readalouds.
May 2, 2015
The book entitled “Christmas in the Trenches”, told the story about a grandpa telling a story of his favorite Christmas. This story was the story of the Christmas truce of 1914. The author explains how US soldiers spent their Christmas in war against the Germans and later were reunited by Christmas songs, a Christmas tree, and a white truce flag. The children’s grandpa was the one whom shook the German’s hand symbolzing the truce agreement and spent Christmas together until the sunrise came and they went their separate ways. The strengths of this book included: being easy to understand, gave great information, very detailed and realistic pictures. While I thought this book had quite a bit to offer I believe it lacked being descriptive. This book would be great when introducing history even to kids from k-2, which is the reading level of this book. A great picture book with great information!
McCutcheon, J. (2006). Christmas in the trenches. Atlanta, Georgia: Peachtree Publishers
McCutcheon, J. (2006). Christmas in the trenches. Atlanta, Georgia: Peachtree Publishers
April 15, 2013
This book definitely celebrates the common bonds in humanity. It describes a time in history when hatred and death lingered over most people’s lives and war was lasting longer than most people realized. This story tells of how during this horrible time the soldiers fighting each other stopped the fighting in order to celebrate Christmas with one another. I feel that this story is so touching because it conveys a lesson about being humane in a most inhumane situation and shows that bravery sometimes means more than just fighting and killing. As well it shows two different people with different mindsets coming together and doing so much more with their similarities rather than spending time hating others for their differences.
I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all teachers to have in their classrooms.
I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all teachers to have in their classrooms.
December 9, 2014
This is the story of two groups of soldiers. They were not on the same side and they were by no means friends. These two groups were fighting against each other. Both sides wanted to win the war. But on this one day of December in 1914, these two opposites become one for just one night. As one group hears the other singing a well-known Christmas song, they join in in their own language. While they sing, they see a dark shadow approaching them. It is an enemy. They stop singing just as the enemy raises a white flag and lowers a little tree. This is a great, heartwarming story about the war and a day where they come together to celebrate. It is a great one to read around Christmas or veterans day.
McCutcheon, John. Christmas in the Trenches. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 2006.
McCutcheon, John. Christmas in the Trenches. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 2006.
December 24, 2017
McCutcheon John Christmas in the Trenches PICTURE BOOK Peachtree –
Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be fit into the curriculum anywhere it can – English, Geography, Music, Art – wherever.
EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...
Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be fit into the curriculum anywhere it can – English, Geography, Music, Art – wherever.
EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...
November 2, 2009
After Christmas dinner, Grandpa tells Thomas and Nora about an unforgettable Christmas Eve back in 1914, when German and Allied soldiers during World War I stopped fighting and came together to embrace the holiday. They sang songs, exchanged gifts, and acted in peace until dawn broke. At that time, they returned to their trenches where the battling began once again. The illustrations only add to this brief story about the common feelings that lay deep within the men on opposite sides of the line.
November 1, 2014
An excellent version of the "Silent Night" in December 1914 when German and Allied soldiers called a truce on Christmas Eve and ventured onto No-Man's-Land to sing songs, play football, and acknowledge each other's humanity. Told in a very appropriate manner for all ages, this story stresses the peace of that night, although it can open the door for further discussion of the horrific realization that these men went back to shooting at one another shortly thereafter. A favourite readaloud of mine both for Remembrance Day AND Christmas to nearly all grade levels.
November 27, 2014
I had not heard about the The Christmas Truce of 1914 until I picked up an interesting children's book (based on the cover). As I sat down to read it, I was mesmerized by the humanity and respect from the enemies on that Christmas night. A truce between the Germans and the British as they celebrated a beloved holiday!
I researched more on this incident, and, while this book is historical fiction, it is INDEED based on a true incident in a war that changed how war is fought.
I plan to use this story with my students
I researched more on this incident, and, while this book is historical fiction, it is INDEED based on a true incident in a war that changed how war is fought.
I plan to use this story with my students
October 25, 2016
When I was a little girl I was absolutely fascinated by this story. The idea of men putting down their weapons during war on Christmas to sing and celebrate with their enemy they'd just been trying to kill hours before, and only to back to doing the same again hours later was horrifying and confusing.
To this day I feel pretty much the same lol. But I'm glad that there are picture books to tell these stories for children of new generations who will never know our grandfathers and great grandfathers that experienced these things. I know that as a kid I would have loved reading this book.
To this day I feel pretty much the same lol. But I'm glad that there are picture books to tell these stories for children of new generations who will never know our grandfathers and great grandfathers that experienced these things. I know that as a kid I would have loved reading this book.
December 3, 2008
This is a five star because it made me cry and it led to some really great, but hard, discussion about war and why people go to war. I think I am largely a pacifist. I appreciated in the author's notes his encouragment to teach our children more peace making and conflict resolution. He pointed out how kids are taught about war from an early age, but there are too many peaceful alternatives to ignore.
January 9, 2011
John McCutcheon wrote and has performed the folk song that gave rise to this children's picture book that speaks to the power of the human spirit. What does it take to stop a war, if only for a few hours? The answer, memory, friendship, love. Lessons that are worth learning. This will awaken the mind of the child to the possibilities of peace. Henri Sorensen's painting go beyond the text and tell an amazing story of the true events of Christmas 1914.
November 12, 2012
I love this beautiful piece of historical fiction wrapped up in a children's book. This moment in World War 1 was so incredibly powerful, and would be so great to read when teaching World War 1, or just during Christmas time in general. This event in history really humanizes the war, and teaches empathy to readers. The illustrations capture the event perfectly, and I just think it will so valuable in not only teaching about history but also about character building.
December 8, 2015
What a heart warming story of love and peace at Christmas time even amidst an ugly war. We are all part of one big family: God's family. We are His children. What a beautiful illustration this story is of that truth. I love the author's note at the end: "Wars don't start on battlefields. They begin in people's hearts. And that is where wars can be ended." You can find this story/song on YouTube! Check it out. It's worth it!
March 17, 2017
GR Level: NA
Elementary: E MCC
Grandkids ask grandpa about his favorite Christmas, and grandpa begins to tell them about when he was serving in the world war at Christmas. He shares the sweet miracle that occurred that day when the American and German soldiers gather together to sing Silent Night and play games.
Elementary: E MCC
Grandkids ask grandpa about his favorite Christmas, and grandpa begins to tell them about when he was serving in the world war at Christmas. He shares the sweet miracle that occurred that day when the American and German soldiers gather together to sing Silent Night and play games.
November 14, 2017
I'm reading several children's books about the WWI truce of 1914. The historical & author's notes at the end of each are so interesting. This book is based on a song written my McCutcheon.
From his note: "Wars don't start on battlefields. They begin in people's hearts. And that is where wars can be ended."
From his note: "Wars don't start on battlefields. They begin in people's hearts. And that is where wars can be ended."
December 3, 2019
Another beautifully illustrated story of a special Christmas that offered a day of peace in the midst of war. This is a wonderful story for children to hear to remind them of the purpose that the Greatest Gift of all was sent ~ to bring peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind. This book truly reveals the spirit of Christmas.
September 21, 2008
This is a beautiful story about putting aside the ways of war to celebrate Christmas. It would spark lots of writing ideas at Christmas time, but it is also a great way to discuss tolerance and acceptance.
December 11, 2014
This beautiful picture book shares the story of the Christmas Truce during WWI. I look forward to sharing the story and illustrations with my students and singing along using the provided CD of songs!
December 30, 2015
I read this to my Gr. 5 students when we were studying World War I. This book opened up many of their eyes to what war meant. Many of this generation has grown up playing video games that make war seem glamorous, but this story hits the truth about war. Great book with CD as well.
November 20, 2019
A beautiful story about how the two sides of No Man Land came together to celebrate Christmas in a time of war.
December 11, 2021
A tear-jerker for sure, and even more cherished after we just finished Hitler Youth. Worthy of becoming a traditional family read aloud, especially for a family that has military service anywhere in the family line.
December 14, 2025
Folk artist John McCutcheon is an award-winning singer-songwriter and instrumentalist who has received six Grammy Award nominations, including one in 2006 for Best Spoken Word Album For Children for “Christmas in the Trenches.” This book is based on that song.
His book, like the ballad, features a fictional character, Francis Tolliver, who relates the story of the famous 1914 “Christmas Truce” between the British and German troops in the trenches on the Western Front during World War I. A grandfather now, Tolliver is sharing the memories of his favorite Christmas with his two grandchildren. He begins:
“We were all so young . . . just boys . . . lonely and frightened, trying to be brave. We had spent a long, cold month in the muddy trenches that were now our home. We all knew that there would be no break in the fighting. We knew we would be spending Christmas in the trenches.”
On that day, the soldiers later involved in the “Christmas Truce” were entrenched along the French-Belgian border. As darkness fell, they heard a sound - the German soldiers were singing Christmas carols. The English soldiers began to sing as well, and then a single figure came across No Man’s Land from the German side toward the English side holding a white truce flag in one hand, and a Christmas tree shining with candles in the other. Soon everyone on both sides came out of the trenches and started trading small gifts. They even started playing a game of football!
As dawn came, though, each side returned to the trenches and back to the war.
Henri Sørensen created arresting oil paintings to illustrate the book, with double-page spreads conveying a sense of scale.
Back matter includes an Author’s Note, Historical Note, McCutcheon’s song lyrics, and the musical notation for it. There is also a QR code to link to his performances of “Silent Night” and “Christmas in the Trenches.”
The historical note fills in some background about which readers in the suggested age range of 7 and older might not be aware: Where was the Western Front in World War I? What were the trenches? What was No Man’s Land? McCutcheon also includes some quotes from recorded interviews with participants, but only to flesh out what happened the night of the truce. Although “Grandpa’s” account ended there, it wasn’t really the end of the story.
The British Imperial War Museum (IWM) (with excellent online exhibits) has photographs, letters and interviews about the Christmas Eve Truce. The IWM reported that “the High Commands on both sides tried to prevent any truces on a similar scale happening again.” Encountering one’s intended enemies as human beings impacted morale and “conflicted with the patriotic aggression required by both sides.” (This also meant, as the IWM points out, that stories about the truce contradicted media and government propaganda promulgating the perception of German soldiers as “bloodthirsty enemies, baby eaters, devils, ruthless killers.” Thus, as one of the actual truce participants (Anthony Richards) recalled: “You never get anything like the Christmas truce happening again, and over time not only is it seen as an anomaly but almost as a myth, and it gets to the point where people are actually doubting whether it happened in the first place, which continues right up to this day.”)
In his Author’s Note, McCutcheon muses:
“War demands that our enemies be strangers. Not at all like us. Yet, one Christmas Eve over one hundred years ago, two groups of enemies, strangers to one another, stood in trenches separated by a muddy field. They were all far from home and their loved ones. They were lonely, scared, and fighting against soldiers in trenches as close as fifty years away. Then someone started singing a Christmas carol, and others joined in. When they found themselves singing the same song, each in their own language, it changed them. It changed everything. And for one amazing night, peace broke out in the middle of war.”
But they did have to resume killing each other the next day, and only four months later, the war turned even more brutal when poison gas began to be used by all major parties in the war. Amazingly, as Wikipedia reports: “The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was about 40 million: estimates range from around 15 to 22 million deaths and about 23 million wounded military personnel, ranking it among the deadliest conflicts in human history.”
McCutcheon’s song lyrics, provided at the end of the book, relate that the experience of interacting with “the enemy” raised questions in the minds of the soldiers. His song ends:
“Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more..
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night,
‘Whose family have I fixed within my sights?’
’Twas Christmas in the trenches and the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore.
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell.
Each Christmas come since World War I, I’ve learned its lessons well.
That the ones who calls the shots won't be among the dead and lame,
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.”
Evaluation: This book that will show the recommended age group of 7 and older that when a war is declared, other human beings just like themselves are now defined as “enemies” to be killed. It may help inspire many discussion questions about war generally.
His book, like the ballad, features a fictional character, Francis Tolliver, who relates the story of the famous 1914 “Christmas Truce” between the British and German troops in the trenches on the Western Front during World War I. A grandfather now, Tolliver is sharing the memories of his favorite Christmas with his two grandchildren. He begins:
“We were all so young . . . just boys . . . lonely and frightened, trying to be brave. We had spent a long, cold month in the muddy trenches that were now our home. We all knew that there would be no break in the fighting. We knew we would be spending Christmas in the trenches.”
On that day, the soldiers later involved in the “Christmas Truce” were entrenched along the French-Belgian border. As darkness fell, they heard a sound - the German soldiers were singing Christmas carols. The English soldiers began to sing as well, and then a single figure came across No Man’s Land from the German side toward the English side holding a white truce flag in one hand, and a Christmas tree shining with candles in the other. Soon everyone on both sides came out of the trenches and started trading small gifts. They even started playing a game of football!
As dawn came, though, each side returned to the trenches and back to the war.
Henri Sørensen created arresting oil paintings to illustrate the book, with double-page spreads conveying a sense of scale.
Back matter includes an Author’s Note, Historical Note, McCutcheon’s song lyrics, and the musical notation for it. There is also a QR code to link to his performances of “Silent Night” and “Christmas in the Trenches.”
The historical note fills in some background about which readers in the suggested age range of 7 and older might not be aware: Where was the Western Front in World War I? What were the trenches? What was No Man’s Land? McCutcheon also includes some quotes from recorded interviews with participants, but only to flesh out what happened the night of the truce. Although “Grandpa’s” account ended there, it wasn’t really the end of the story.
The British Imperial War Museum (IWM) (with excellent online exhibits) has photographs, letters and interviews about the Christmas Eve Truce. The IWM reported that “the High Commands on both sides tried to prevent any truces on a similar scale happening again.” Encountering one’s intended enemies as human beings impacted morale and “conflicted with the patriotic aggression required by both sides.” (This also meant, as the IWM points out, that stories about the truce contradicted media and government propaganda promulgating the perception of German soldiers as “bloodthirsty enemies, baby eaters, devils, ruthless killers.” Thus, as one of the actual truce participants (Anthony Richards) recalled: “You never get anything like the Christmas truce happening again, and over time not only is it seen as an anomaly but almost as a myth, and it gets to the point where people are actually doubting whether it happened in the first place, which continues right up to this day.”)
In his Author’s Note, McCutcheon muses:
“War demands that our enemies be strangers. Not at all like us. Yet, one Christmas Eve over one hundred years ago, two groups of enemies, strangers to one another, stood in trenches separated by a muddy field. They were all far from home and their loved ones. They were lonely, scared, and fighting against soldiers in trenches as close as fifty years away. Then someone started singing a Christmas carol, and others joined in. When they found themselves singing the same song, each in their own language, it changed them. It changed everything. And for one amazing night, peace broke out in the middle of war.”
But they did have to resume killing each other the next day, and only four months later, the war turned even more brutal when poison gas began to be used by all major parties in the war. Amazingly, as Wikipedia reports: “The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was about 40 million: estimates range from around 15 to 22 million deaths and about 23 million wounded military personnel, ranking it among the deadliest conflicts in human history.”
McCutcheon’s song lyrics, provided at the end of the book, relate that the experience of interacting with “the enemy” raised questions in the minds of the soldiers. His song ends:
“Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more..
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night,
‘Whose family have I fixed within my sights?’
’Twas Christmas in the trenches and the frost so bitter hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore.
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell.
Each Christmas come since World War I, I’ve learned its lessons well.
That the ones who calls the shots won't be among the dead and lame,
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.”
Evaluation: This book that will show the recommended age group of 7 and older that when a war is declared, other human beings just like themselves are now defined as “enemies” to be killed. It may help inspire many discussion questions about war generally.
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