Christmas Truce: A True Story of World War 1 (Centennial Edition)

Wow! I had honestly never heard of this happening in World War I so was totally enlightened. Of course this letter to Janet from her brother, Tom, is fictional but based on facts known & recorded elsewhere.For children especially, a hundred years is eons ago and so this story brings to life some of the realities and the challenges faced by both sides. These men were just that, men with families back home hoping and praying that they would return in one piece but also knowing that many of them wouldn't. Christmas on the front line was not a pleasant place to be so when the writer looks across the trenches on Christmas Eve and sees that the Germans have put Christmas trees in front of their trenches his spirit is lifted. Then the Germans start to sing Silent Night, Holy Night. What do the British soldier sing to them? The First Nowell and so it goes on. If you think that is amazing, wait until you read what happens next?An amazing story that deserves to be shared with all generations.

Excellent illustrations every other page together with a rousing story written as if it were a letter being sent home of how opposing sides in the trenches lay down their arms and gathered together if only for Christmas day. Some passages that hit home for me were, "And then we heard their voices raised in song. Stille nacht, heilige nacht..." and ' "My God," he said, "why cannot we have peace and all go home?" Book had some formatting issues on kindle where it was wanting to jump backwards on ocassion interrupting the flow as it were, but still a very good book nonetheless!From this Thanksgiving to Christmastime I will only be reviewing Holiday books for your reading pleasure before drastically scaling back my reviews, so until such a time have a very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This book was amazing! The story was moving and the illustrations were bold and touching. I have long been interested in the events of the Christmas truce and this book moved my heart so much. The author says it well, "And so, dear sister, tell me, has there ever been such aChristmas Eve in all history? "Barring the very first Christmas Eve, I would have to agree.*I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A nice take on an actual historical event, framed for children, which is a good thing, since kids should have an understanding of history too. It concludes with a wistful sentiment about pursuing peace to prevent war, which is a nice thought, though ironically, history has proven that being well-prepared for war is a more effective way to preserve peace.

I read this book to my 5th & 6th graders at christmas & they were fascinated with the story

Read this to my 6th grade Social Studies classes the day before Christmas break. They were antsy, and this tied into the curriculum without being "busy" work. We had a nice discussion about war, it's affects, etc. I had heard a story on NPR, that stated the soldiers couldn't play soccer or other games on No Man's Land because it was torn-up and uneven from battle, so we compared that to information in the book. We even discussed the origin of the Christmas tree as German.

This is a true story told for young children of the events surrounding a Christmas eve spent in war torn Europe. Letters and stories were shared regarding this event over the years. The author related the tale with his own take on war. Recommend for older children not see one's.

Thanks to the author for writing this book and for clarifying many truths in his epilogue.So interesting and beautiful. Well-written.

I read this book as soon as soon as it arrived today. It is a wonderful story about the best side of humanity in the midst of the first world war. I won't spoil it for you in case you are not familiar with the story. The illustrations are wonderful and evocative of the era. My only negative is that £10 seems very expensive for what is actually a very short book but it is worth having. It is really aimed at older children but most adults will be touched by it too.

Poor quality paper especially for price.

Great learned more about the Christmas Truce, through this lovely story. Wonderful for young children who can learn about the story of the Christmas Truce.

A nicely written account in letter form describing the Christmas Truce in 1914. Highly recommended to all to learn of this epic episode in history.

great