World War 1 can be such a tough subject to address with small children, but I have found that picture books are a great way to teach about the impact of the war in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging. These excellent children’s books make it easy to introduce even young children to the difficult topic of the First World War. I learned a lot from reading these war picture books too! These are great books for young readers to read independently, or for family read-alouds.
Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story by Deborah Hopkinson
This is a fictional story based on the true story of children who helped the war effort by knitting clothing and bandages for soldiers during World War 1. This is one of my favorite books about the war because it shows children that they can make a difference. And did you know that you can still knit for soldiers overseas today? Check out http://www.knittingforcharity.org
Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion by Chris Barton
This is a true story and was way more engaging than I expected (since I’m not super interested in war ships and such). It tells about how the Allies painted their war ships in funky ways (dazzle ships) to try to confuse enemy submarines and the German navy. My children were fascinated by this little-known story and so was I!
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
The true account of Moina Belle Michael, a compassionate woman who found many ways to make a difference for soldiers and veterans, including by campaigning for the Flanders Fields poppy. This is a lovely story that shows that one person really can make a big impact in the lives of others.
Midnight: A True Story of Loyalty in World War I by Mark Greenwood
A sweet story about the bond of a young soldier and his brave war horse. Though it handles the horrors of war with a light tough, this one has a sad ending, so be cautious if your child is a tender-hearted animal-lover.
Shooting at the Stars: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by John Hendrix
This is a fictional account of the true event of the Christmas truce during which the British soldiers and the German soldiers stopped fighting on the front lines on Christmas Eve and celebrated together – even singing Silent Night (or Stille Nacht for the German Soldiers).
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick
This is the true story of the bear who lives on in literature as the famous Winnie-the-Pooh. Winnie was rescued by a young Canadian soldier, and became the beloved mascot of his unit during World War I. Winnie later became a resident of the London Zoo, where she developed a friendship with Christopher Robin Milne. Winnie was the inspiration for the Winnie-the-Pooh stories that Christopher’s father, A.A. Milne, wrote for him. My kids and I loved this story so much that we had to read the full version (read the next entry for information on that)!
Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick and Sophie Blackall
This is a longer version of the above story. Though it is not a picture book (it does have great illustrations, though!), I include it here because it is a gentle and very kid-friendly way to introduce the story of World War I. While based on the true story of Winnie and her friends, it is an imaginative work of historical fiction told from Winnie’s point of view. Animals in the story speak to one another and tell us the story of the First World War from their perspective. The style of the writing is sweet and engaging, and great for any age. The animal characters are irresistible – even my older kids, who were early teens and preteens when we read it, loved this short novel. My younger kids adored it as well. This is a very good option for a family or classroom read-aloud for your study of World War 1. Highly recommend!
Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker
This is another true story about the bear called Winne who became the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh. This picture book has minimal references to World War I, which makes it a very gentle introduction to the topic of the Great War and a great choice for younger children. The story is told in a really cute way and the illustrations are super sweet. We really enjoyed this one!
Stubby by Kathy Borrus
Stubby might look familiar to you – he’s the mascot of the Georgetown Hoyas! He served in the trenches of the Western Front in World War 1 and was promoted to sergeant for his heroism. This is a very simple book and a short read, and it has a happy ending, so it’s great for younger children.
Rags: Hero Dog of WWI, A True Story by Margot Theis Raven
This is another story of a dog who became a war hero. This one is a little sad at the end, but it is an engaging story that gives a glimpse of life on the WWI battlefront. My kids and I really enjoyed this one. Great for younger readers!
The Donkey of Gallipoli: A True Story of Courage in World War I by Mark Greenwood
This is the true story of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, a stretcher bearer who went into the line of fire to rescue over 300 wounded soldiers on the battlefront of World War I. It tells of the violence and death that occurred during the war, but lightly enough that a young child can understand but not be traumatized. It does have a sad ending, but the story is told in a detached enough way that it is manageable for the young and tender-hearted. I really liked this book, and the main character is really inspiring.
Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade: A Thanksgiving Story by Trinka Hakes Noble
This is from the Tales of Young Americans Series (which I highly recommend!). While it only mentions World War 1 in passing, it does give insight into what was happening in the United States during the time period of the war. It also describes the impact of the Spanish Flu pandemic on the country from a child’s point of view, which is of particular interest to children of today!
Cher Ami: Based on the World War I Legend of the Fearless Pigeon by Melisande Potter
This picture book tells the story of Cher Ami – a homing pigeon that the United States army used to deliver messages during World War I. Cher Ami’s story is part fact and part legend, and this short story book tells about her in a simple and concise way that young readers of any age can appreciate.
Grace Banker and the Hello Girls Answer the Call: The Heroic Story of WWI Telephone Operators by Claudia Friddell
This picture book on World War I is unique in that it focuses on one of the ways that women contributed to the war effort. It tells the true story of Grace Banker and the other young women who served their country as Signal Corps Girls and helped the war effort by operating the switch boards. The story is easy to understand and gives some lesser-known details about the involvement of women in World War I. The back matter gives further information on World War I and telephone operators. It also discusses the fight of another Signal Corps operator, Merle Egan, to secure veteran’s benefits for the Signal Corps women operators. She finally won many years later, in 1977, and the Signal Corps operators became the first female soldiers in the U.S. army, so these women definitely have an important place in United States history.
I Remember … A Recognition of Muslim Loyalty and Sacrifice in WWI by Maidah Ahmad
This children’s book presents a really different aspect of World War I that is not found in most picture books. The story is of a young girl writing a letter to her great-grandpa recognizing the experiences he had as a Muslim traveling from India to serve with the British army. The book touches on such things as the way Indian Muslims integrated religious practices into their lives as soldiers, and how the army prepared special food for them to accommodate their religious requirements. The back matter gives further information on the service of Muslims and Indians with the Allied Forces in World War I. An interesting and unique perspective on the Great War!
I hope you and your young people enjoy this list of children’s literature on World War 1! Thank you for visiting! Feel free to check out my list of picture books on World War II for more great children’s books about history!
