What We Remember

by Lesley Anne Airth

What We Remember is a collection of non-frightening, true stories written to introduce children to the significance of Remembrance and to whet their interest in Canada`s history and heritage. Children aged 4 to 9 an audience that has traditionally been deemed too young to learn about war learn through touching stories based on children`s war time experiences in What We Remember. As the daughter of the Military Attaché to Belgium and Luxembourg, Lesley Anne Airth spent many years living in Europe and witnessed first hand how in countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, stories of war are shared with very young children. Children in these countries are exposed to personal accounts of how brave Canadian soldiers came to their rescue. The author shares the belief that if we fail to teach children about the atrocity that is war, we will be doomed to repeat a horrific nightmare. She also believes that we need to pay tribute to the brave Canadians who sacrificed and who continue to sacrifice everything for peace. Mother of three children and professional educator, Lesley Airth has a keen understanding of children`s sensibilities. The subject of war is certainly one of the most difficult subjects a teacher or parent ever has to address. To educate children without fear, she has written a collection of six true short stories. Each story has a child as the central character and describes how war had an impact on his or her life. The stories are simple with simple children were in danger; some fathers were gone for a long time; some fathers never returned; some fathers were never healthy again; women made a significant contribution to the war effort; and, we must remember and appreciate the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. "Remembrance is important and not just once a year. Lesley Airth`s carefully crafted stories lead the youngest readers through Canada`s wars of freedom by showing how children faced dangers and reacted to their parents` absences." J

Perfect Paperback

Published September 13, 2005

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is often difficult to find appropriate material to share with elementary children to help them understand the reason we observe a Remembrance Day. This is a perfect book written about Canadian children during wartime and some of the hardships and problems they faced. These are all true stories and short enough that you don't lose the attention of your audience. They are also told in a way that kids understand the harsh reality of war without the use of graphic details. The fact that many of the stories are about children and their families, helps kids relate to what it would be like to live through such difficult times. The stories are complemented with little snippets of "fun facts" throughout the pages as well as some complimentary illustrations. I share various stories with various grades from grade two to grade five. Grade four and five listened to the whole book and it was very well received.

One touching story relays how a child comes to learn how his dad became a hero in the war when he discovers a medal for bravery in a shoebox. His dad is very ill and fragile since returning from the war and the boy questions how such a man could be a hero.

All six stories are equally interesting and touching reminding us of how lucky we are so many fought for our freedom. It would be good if another book like this could come out to remind us of the bravery of our soldiers in more recent times to keep the message fresh with reminders there are still people out there today continuing to fight for our freedom. There are very few veterans left from WWII and the amount of people that even knew soldiers from that time are beginning to dwindle. A book like this is important to keep the significance of Remembrance Day and what it stands for alive.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six simple, stirring stories help us slip into the shoes of real children as they deal with the impacts of war.

Listen to our chat about this book on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:

http://www.justonemorebook.com/2006/1...

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching book of true stories. Different people shared their childhood memories of life during the War Years. A poignant reminder of fellow Canadians who fought for freedom.