An integral part of the‘Meet Series’about extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia's history, Meet the ANZACS tells the tale of how the ANZAC legend began.
The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps; the name given to the Australian and New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli in World War I. The name is now a symbol of bravery and mateship, and this story captures these themes beautifully.
Offering a sensitive introduction to Australia and New Zealand’s involvement in the war, Meet…the ANZACS gives a broad history of how these men came together, how they trained as a unit and how friendships were formed, all before the actual “fighting” began.
With naive excitement and an innocent anticipation of their involvement in the war, this story gives children a taste of how these men may have felt as they embarked on a journey that would change their lives and change the course of history.
I like the fact this story honours the men who fought and yet does not glorify war. Instead it gives an honest and insightful history while still being age appropriate. The last line is profound and leaves the reader, whether young or old and having never experienced war, to only imagine what war is like.
There is a comprehensive timeline in the back of the book as well as teacher’s resources available.
Meet the ANZACS is a must for every Australian classroom.
Title: Meet the Anzacs (Meet... series)
Author: Claire Saxby
Illustrator: Max Berry
Publisher: Random House, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: 3 Feb 2014
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780857981929
For ages: 5-9
Type: Picture Book
