Although much has been written about the ANZACs, this book reaches out to a young audience through the brilliant Puffin Little Historian series, published to celebrate 80 Years of Puffin books. This is a beginner’s guide to the ANZACs set up with easy-to- read language, in bright purple and white layouts and excellent design.
It introduces both men and women that served in any capacity in WW1. Who were they and what was their role in the history of the Great War?
Used as a starting point to each chapter, are words and phrases that define the reasons volunteers signed up to fight; words such as duty, alliance, mother country, and Empire amongst others.
A rich Glossary at the end repeats and defines these words for clearer understanding.
The chapters begin by explaining when WW1 started and why, quoting the reasons men signed up, as many of them had never left their home let alone their country before.
Rich in historical content, maps, statistics, letters and poems are used to portray the lives of the men in their preparations for war and later, life in the trenches.
It speaks about the ANZAC Legend, the significance of the slouch hat, makes reference to Louise Mack, Tasmanian born journalist, and one of the first female war correspondents, and includes other pioneering women. It also refers to the role children took on during the war years and how they shifted into the responsible and necessary spaces left vacant by their brothers and fathers.
The book concludes with chronological fast facts about the War; has a recipe for Anzac biscuits, an excerpt from the poem, For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, plus another moving poem, Not a Hero by Clyde Hamilton.
Overall, this small book imparts a great deal of information that can easily be absorbed, understood, and remembered by youngsters, due to the considerate way it has been presented.
Illustrator: Regina F, Silva et al
Publisher: Penguin, $ 12.99
Publication Date: 29 September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760897024
For ages: 6+
Type: Historical Non Fiction
