Talking about war and conflict

Two wealthy kingdoms stand back-to-back: if only the two cities shared their resources, all would be well, but the proud kings will not hear of it. This story carries a poignant message for modern times, beautifully packaged as a classic fairy tale. 

With stunningly emotive illustrations, this is an accessibly and inspiring story for 4–5 year olds showing how hope and kindness can still thrive during times of extreme adversity.

A story expressed in muted colour and with a wonderful focus on the small details of this Vietnamese family’s life as they prepare for a perilous journey, Wishes is a deeply moving story told with very minimal text about a child’s experience of being a refugee. 

Published to coincide with the centenary of the end of the First World War, this beautiful book tells the story of Stubby, the most decorated war dog of the First World War. The storytelling is sublime and the illustrations are profoundly beautiful. 

A heartbreaking picture book that perfectly explains the displacement of people, and especially children, in war, and the trauma experienced by people forced to leave their homes. 

This sophisticated and thought-provoking picture book is one for mid-primary school aged readers, or even older children, who can understand and discuss ideas of material possessions, consumerism and even how capitalism works. 

Inspired by John McCrae’s war poem In Flanders Fields, this touching story is ideal to share with young children to promote discussion about the impact of war and the nature of remembrance. 

This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria. An inspiring and sweet tale that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.

What is it like to leave everything behind and travel somewhere strange? This incredibly poignant story introduces the concept of refugees with straightforward language, tackling this difficult subject with truth, clarity and strikingly beautiful illustrations.

In this unusual book, we follow a young man as he packs his bags and leaves his family to go and start a new life in another country

Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of resistance from World War II when hundreds of Jews were led to safety via underground passages from the Grand Mosque in Paris.

When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is more worried about the battle to convince his younger brother that the swaggering Johnny, their mum’s new boyfriend, is a bad ​’un. Compelling and moving, with peril galore.