Read and remember
Recommended reads for children, adults to uncover more about Remembrance Day
Truro was where the First World War’s only all-black battalion originated from and it was a Canadian soldier’s adopted bear that inspired the now classic Winnie the Pooh. These are just two among numerous other facts of Canada’s wartime history that might take Canadians by surprise. These and other interesting historical and cultural tidbits await readers of all ages in Remembrance Day reads recommended by Truro librarians Lesley Brann, head of adult and circulation services and Sarah Wood, acting head of youth services with the Colchester-east Hants Public Library. Remembrance Day books display popular each year with readers looking to learn something new about a day marked by millions around the world. “Growing up, I heard directly from people who experienced Second World War events. A lot of those people are leaving us now, so what we’re left with are the stories and history. These books also talk about current conflicts — opportunity to get educated on the past and present,” says Brann.
BOOKS FOR CHILDRENS
The selection of books that Wood recommends is one she says offers parents or caregivers an opportunity for thoughtful conversations with their children as they are inspired to learn more about Remembrance Day. “These books have these wonderful overarching themes. So I want kids to read and make connections about the things that are happening right now, what happened in past and what similarities they currently see,” she says. Wood’s selections: 1. Sidewalk Flowers by Jonarno Lawson; illustrated by Sydney Smith: Sidewalk Flowers is a picture book that tackles the beauty and wonder found in unexpected places. Despite featuring no text, parents and young children will find a great springboard for conversations about Remembrance Day as the book explores death, diversity, kindness and generosity. 2. A Poppy is to Remember by Heather Patterson; illustrated by Ron Lightburn: Why do we wear poppies? This book offers an introduction to Remembrance Day for young children and also includes a more detailed historical section for older readers. 3. Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick; illustrated by Sophie Blackall: The story of Canadian soldier Harry Colebourn and his famous adopted bear, Winnipeg or “Winnie” is one of courage and self-sacrifice. Blackall’s wartimeera illustrations are beautiful and detailed and reward multiple readings. Young readers will be charmed, as soldiers were, by Winnie, and will be desperate to learn more about her, Colebourn and yes, even the horrors of war.
BOOKS FOR ADULTS
Brann’s literary selections focus on the importance of learning the history of your backyard and Nova Scotia’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars — something she says the branch’s readers always seem eager to do as they check out books from the library’s annual Remembrance Day display. “It’s important to learn about these things and honour our past, which then helps us understand our present time and where we go from here,” says Brann. Brann’s selections: The Black Battalion: 19161920 Canada’s Best Kept Military Secret by Calvin W. Ruck: Ruck tells the story of the #2 Construction Battalion headquartered in Truro that was the only all-black battalion to fight in World War I. This book features a chapter of our history that deserves more attention. This Battalion also featured Rev. William A. White, who was then the British Army’s only black chaplain and the father of singer Portia White, also born in Truro. The Lighthearted Soldier: A Canadian’s Exploits with the Black Devils of WWII by Herb Peppard: A difficult book to get your hands on but well worth it. Peppard was a natural storyteller and his experiences as a member of the legendary Black Devils gave him plenty to work with. Mr. Peppard passed away earlier this year but he left us with these great stories. He was a well-known figure in town and is the perfect example of why it is important to learn your history, having now left us with an account of his. Nova Scotia at War: 1914-1919 by Brian Tennyson: The First World War had a tremendous impact on Nova Scotia and Tennyson not only looks to our soldiers overseas but also those who remained back home. He also examines the legacy the conflict left on the province.