At last – an illustrated non-fiction book about WWII that helps children to understand the chronology and the events on different parts of the world stage whilst remaining comprehensible and fascinating for 8 – 14 year-olds. As a child I used to watch documentaries on the different events of the war when my mother was watching them. The problem was, try as I might to understand how the events related to one another, the first and only place this was introduced to my generation in material for children was a GCSE textbook. A textbook moreover that focused heavily on Europe without explaining the world in World War II.
Dr Hattie Hearn has balanced information spreads with narrative non-fiction to help readers understand the complex international relations and events of WWII. The book is written in chronological sections: within these sections are many double page spreads dedicated to one character in one place. These stories help the reader imagine events and empathise with characters from different parts of the world. The characters are picked carefully – most are young, and their stories often show the suffering caused by far right atrocities. Deaths of individuals are rarely mentioned which makes the book age-appropriate and also keeps the focus on why people behaved as they did and not on the outcome of certain actions. Where deaths are mentioned it is usually as a collective – for example a tally of known deaths is given for victims of the Holocaust.
The information spreads, meanwhile, read more like traditional illustrated non-fiction. Subject headings are given such as ‘The Allies’ or ‘Danger On The High Seas’ and the topics are explored in detail. Bitesize pieces of information are accompanied by illustrations. These information spreads hold the stories in context and allow the reader some understanding of when and why things were happening.
Most of the spreads contain a large piece of artwork and some of the information spreads have one picture per subheading. The artwork brings the history fully to life and allow the reader into the events of the war. Unlike older documentaries and textbooks these illustrations are colourful and eye-catching. What I loved most was how every single character – main character or unnamed extra – has an individual face and and facial expression. Seeing the reactions of the characters to the events of the story allows readers to read the images first. It also helps readers to decide whether or not this is a story they feel ready to read – an important addition when very young readers might pick up the book. Even the colour palettes hint at whether this is a story of bravery and triumph and celebration or a story of fear and sad circumstances.
Whilst this is targeted at primary school readers it would be equally suitable for younger secondary children and it offers of a good overview of the chronology of the war for any age group over eight. I love how a young reader who may not feel ready to know all the atrocities of the time period can be read some of the more suitable stories, offering a safe introduction to the subject. Equally, a child sitting their GCSEs could revise the chronology and international relations whilst dipping into the stories to remind themselves what separate events were about.
Tales Of is a series by Neon Squid and based on this title I am raving to see more and I would recommend checking the series out to anyone creating a library or bookcase for children. Tales Of World War II is a solid and gripping introduction to the time period that will keep the reader hooked and turning the pages. A fantastic way to grow a young reader’s knowledge of World War II.
- Tales Of WWII – Amazing True Stories From The War That Shook The World is available now from Neon Squid. RRP. £14.99 (Provided for review)
