Some may categorize this as just a picture book, but John Hendrix makes it more than the sum of its parts. The focus of the book is the Christmas Truce of December 25, 1914. Our narrator is a young British soldier writing to his mother about the miracle that took place that day when the opposing armies put down their guns to share a temporary truce on the day of our Lord's birth. Love the simple story with additional details as well as the varied methods used to give us the narrative. There are not very many books out there for kids about WW I--as compared to WW II. "Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood" by Nathan Hale is notable exception and is also highly recommended.

John Hendrix is an amazing author and this book is really touching. It does have a bit of a sadder feel (It's WWI, so it will be sad) but has a hopeful ending.

Well done story about a true event . Great illustrations . Dialouge is written as if the soldier is writing a letter to his Mom . Certainly would recommend

Love this story! Will likely become an annual favourite!

In 1914, two groups of soldiers crouched in filthy, muddy trenches on Christmas Eve - the Germans on one side, the French and English on the other. For some reason, "peace on earth" descended for 24 hours, with both sides emerging from their trenches to meet their enemies, trade goods, take pictures, and even play a little "biscuit tin soccer." This moving event, known today as the Christmas Truce of 1914, is captured beautifully in John Hendrix's picture book. The images are deeply saturated with color, and the words themselves become part of the art, from the German lyrics of "Silent Night" to the letters written by fictional English soldier Charlie. This would be a great addition to any Christmas book collection, not only because it happened on Christmas Eve, but because it really does illustrate brotherly love and "heavenly peace."

A World War 1 event in a picture book?? Doesn't sound right does it! I am here to tell you that this books is fantastic. The right age for this book would be age 8-10 or grades 3-5. It tells about the truce that happened during the Christmas of 1914. A very compelling story told as a letter written home to Mother by an English solider. Factual information is provided to give readers an idea of what really happened and how life was lived in the trenches. This book is my favorite to read during the holiday season. I hope you will enjoy it also.