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Children's Nonfiction Military & Wars

The Vimy Oaks

A Journey to Peace

by (author) Linda Granfield

illustrated by Brian Deines

Publisher
Scholastic Canada Ltd
Initial publish date
Feb 2017
Category
Military & Wars, Post-Confederation (1867-)
Recommended Age
7 to 12
Recommended Grade
2 to 7
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781443148504
    Publish Date
    Feb 2017
    List Price
    $19.99

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Where to buy it

Description

An act of hope and renewal amidst the destruction of war provides a living memorial, in time for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Imagine, a young soldier standing in the midst of a landscape ravaged by war, pocketing a handful of acorns from the blasted trees, and posting them home. In April 1917, after the Battle at Vimy Ridge, Leslie H. Miller – a teacher, a farmer, and a soldier with the Canadian Expeditionary Force—did just that. Over the following one hundred years, those acorns became majestic oaks, standing at the site of Miller’s family farm in Ontario.

Vimy Ridge is considered Canada’s greatest First World War victory, although its toll was devastating. This moving book, filled with beautiful artwork, and archival photos contextualizes a Canadian soldier’s experience in the Great War while highlighting this extraordinary gesture of hope and renewal. Now, a century later, the results of this simple act have created a living memorial to those who served.

About the authors

Linda Granfield has won many awards for her non-fiction/history titles for young readers and adults including the Vicky Metcalf Award for a Body of Work. Her books include In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae, Pier 21: Gateway of Hope, Canada Votes and America Votes. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Linda Granfield's profile page

BRIAN DEINES has illustrated numerous books for children, including SkySisters

 

(written by Jan BourdeauWaboose), Dragonfly Kites (written by Thomson Highway),

 

and One Hockey Night (written by DavidWard). He has been nominated for

numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth and

Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Literature Award, the Martha Baillie Picture Book

Award, and the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award. A native of Red Deer, Alberta,

Brian lives in Toronto.

Brian Deines' profile page

Awards

  • Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award (Alberta Children's Choice)
  • Short-listed, Red Cedar Award (BC Young Readers' Choice)
  • Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Award (Atlantic Canada)
  • Short-listed, OLA Silver Birch Express Award
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Starred Selection
  • Commended, Resource Links, Best of the Year

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Vimy Oaks: A Journey to Peace:

"Recounting this amazing story of the repatriation of the Vimy Oaks in France, Linda Granfield's moving text, paired with Brian Deine's stunning artwork, is a pleasure to behold. Many archival photographs add context to the story. This is a picture book that will be shared with generations to come as it celebrates a most important part of Canada and France's shared history and acknowledges the importance of peace." — Sandra O'Brien, Canadian Children's Book News

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