Talking about war and conflict
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.
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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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Stubby: A True Story of Friendship
Author: Michael Foreman
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age: 7+
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Stubby: A True Story of Friendship
Author: Michael Foreman
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age: 7+
Published to coincide with the centenary of the end of the First World War, this beautiful book tells the story of Stubby, the mos…
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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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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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My Name is not Refugee
Author: Kate Milner
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age: 5+
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My Name is not Refugee
Author: Kate Milner
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age: 5+
When they reach a safe place, a little boy must remember that although children call him Refugee, that is not his real name. Clear…
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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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Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles
Author: Steve Antony
Interest level: 2-6
Reading age: 5+
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Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles
Author: Steve Antony
Interest level: 2-6
Reading age: 5+
This fabulously designed green and red picture book explores ideas around conflict, war and taking sides for young children, and i…
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