The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II

The rescue at Dunkirk is, with good reason, considered one of the shining moments of the Second World War. And yet, there's not much written about it for children. Isn't that funny? It has all the characteristics of a good inspiring story for them - an insurmountable difficulty, a heroic effort, many saved by the efforts of the small and weak. Heck, there isn't even any Holocaust, so it can't run into the same difficulty as many WWII era picture books. This book is from the viewpoint of a young girl whose older brother is at war, and who helps ferry people to safety on that day. It's simply told, and while the horrors of war aren't overlooked, they're not actively shown in the pictures or dwelt upon. This book is a good one, I think, for the older reader of picture books.

Although this is a picture book, it's pretty difficult reading for early elementary. I bought this for my first and second graders, but after reading it decided to save it until they're older. Until they're ready for it, I will enjoy it myself! To me it is a very real and moving account of the famous rescue of the soldiers at Dunkirk. I think it would be a good supplement to a class studying World War 2, any age from 3rd grade on up, but probably more benefit for slightly older kids. Younger kids would definitely need some preparation for the vocabulary before reading the book.

I first learned of the Battle of Dunkirk when I read 'The Snow Goose' at the age of 11. I am sick of Harry Potter and its ilk and want my grandson to learn about stories that last. I realized he neither knows nor cares about history, nor is he so a precocious reader as I was at his age (pre-television). I decided this would have to be a gradual process, and that he will have to know about one of the great heroic events in our history before 'The Snow Goose' would be meaningful to him.To this end, I discovered 'The Little Ships' and found myself with tears in my eyes over the beauty of the writing. For example, when the little girl is relating what she sees in the water (broken planks, army coats and boots) as she and her father are ferrying the soldiers, she sums it up by ' . . . and everything soldiers leave behind when they can take only themselves.'The 'Snow Goose' will have to wait - although I certainly enjoyed reading it again. He's simply not old enough, but he's ready for 'The Little Ships.' The beauty of the writing and the wonderful illustrations will capture him. Best of all, the basic story is true. I'm buying two more copies - one for my library and one for the grade school. Children should know that, while we humans are capable of hideous acts, we are also capable of breathtaking acts of bravery, and they should be moved as they read about them.