Talking about war and conflict

Poppy Field

When war is in the news, children can often pick up on what's going on and feel upset or anxious.

It can be hard to know how to talk to young people about conflict, but these books could help to spark discussions about war and its consequences.

  • The Little War Cat

    Author: Hiba Noor Khan Illustrator: Laura Chamberlain

    Interest level: 4-5

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  • The Little War Cat

    Author: Hiba Noor Khan Illustrator: Laura Chamberlain

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    With stunningly emotive illustrations, this is an accessibly and inspiring story for 4-5 year olds showing how hope and kindness c…

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  • Ruby in the Ruins

    Author: Shirley Hughes

    Interest level: 5-8

    Reading age: 6+

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  • Ruby in the Ruins

    Author: Shirley Hughes

    Interest level: 5-8

    Reading age: 6+

    Shirley Hughes’ touching tale of the aftermath of World War Two is told simply and with sensitivity to the feelings of a little gi…

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  • The Day War Came

    Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Rebecca Cobb

    Interest level: 5-8

    Reading age: 6+

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  • The Day War Came

    Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Rebecca Cobb

    Interest level: 5-8

    Reading age: 6+

    A heartbreaking picture book that perfectly explains the displacement of people, and especially children, in war, and the trauma e…

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  • A Tale of Two Dragons

    Author: Geraldine McCaughrean Illustrator: Peter Malone

    Interest level: 4-8

    Reading age: 7+

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  • A Tale of Two Dragons

    Author: Geraldine McCaughrean Illustrator: Peter Malone

    Interest level: 4-8

    Reading age: 7+

    Two wealthy kingdoms stand back-to-back: if only the two cities shared their resources, all would be well, but the proud kings wil…

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  • Poppy Field

    Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Poppy Field

    Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Michael Foreman

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7+

    Inspired by John McCrae’s war poem In Flanders Fields, this touching story is ideal to share with young children to promote discus…

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  • Tomorrow

    Author: Nadine Kaadan

    Interest level: 4-6

    Reading age: 6+

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  • Tomorrow

    Author: Nadine Kaadan

    Interest level: 4-6

    Reading age: 6+

    A touching story about a little boy trapped in his house in Syria because it’s too dangerous outside. This simple picture book eff…

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  • The Journey

    Author: Francesca Sanna

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7+

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  • The Journey

    Author: Francesca Sanna

    Interest level: 7-9

    Reading age: 7+

    What is it like to leave everything behind and travel somewhere strange? This incredibly poignant story introduces the concept of …

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  • Wishes

    Author: Mượn Thị Văn Illustrator: Victo Ngai

    Interest level: 4-5

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  • Wishes

    Author: Mượn Thị Văn Illustrator: Victo Ngai

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    A story expressed in muted colour and with a wonderful focus on the small details of this Vietnamese family’s life as they prepare…

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  • The More Monster

    Author: Hayley Wells

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age: 6+

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  • The More Monster

    Author: Hayley Wells

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age: 6+

    This sophisticated and thought-provoking picture book is one for mid-primary school aged readers, or even older children, who can …

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