Shortlisted for the Education Resources Award 2015
Amid the horror of the fighting in the First World War, there was one moment of unexpected and surprising harmony. On Christmas Eve 1914 the soldiers from opposing sides of No Man’s Land joined together in the singing of a carol. Stille Nacht was begun by the German soldiers; Silent Night followed as the British soldiers joined in. The next day, weapons were laid down and the two sides played an impromptu game of football. In a simple and well-phrased text and evocative illustrations this moment of truce is finely captured.
It’s Christmas Eve 1914. A group of tired soldiers start singing Stille Nacht, the soldiers on the other side of No Man’s Land respond with Silent Night. The next day, German and British soldiers, put down their guns and join in a game of football to celebrate the spirit of Christmas Day.
Praise for Where The Poppies Now Grow (published April, 2014):
Gervase Phinn, Best Selling Author and former County Inspector of Schools “Written in the great poetic tradition of depicting war as something immensely sad and personal, ‘Where The Poppies Now Grow’ is a powerful and beautifully written story, superbly illustrated, one which touches our hearts.”
Julia Eccleshare, review for LoveReading4Kids (also children’s books editor at The Guardian) Where The Poppies Now Grow is “a book that reflects the lasting importance of both friendship and place and how they can help to heal the tragedy of war.”
The Teacher Magazine “Beautiful illustrations add depth and give touching detail. This book could start a discussion of war and how it affects people, places and relationships. The idea that the veterans pictured were once young may make the story resonate with some younger readers”
Author
About Hilary Robinson
Hilary Robinson is an award winning radio producer and author of over 50 picture books. Awards include the 2016 Historical Young Quills Award for ‘Flo of the Somme.’ Radio credits include Private Peaceful for BBC Radio 2 and her series for Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces was listed as one of the top 30 artistic triumphs of 2016 by the Telegraph. Extracts from her book 'A Song For Will and the Lost Gardeners of Heligan' were read on BBC Radio 4. Follow her on Instagram here.
