AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Every year there are special days when we remember all those who have fought in the past to keep Australia free and those who still fight today to keep us safe. On 25 April — Anzac Day — and on 11 November — Remembrance Day — we stop to think about those people and how much they have done for us. Anzac Day reminds us that, as Australians, we are proud of the Anzac spirit which has helped shape our traditions, our culture, and who we are. On Remembrance Day we honour all those who gave up so much for their country, especially those who lost their lives.
Australia Remembers presents a detailed explanation of the origins and traditions of Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, exploring both their connections and significance to young Australians today. The colourful traditions and symbols of these special days are described in language that is easily accessible to younger readers, helping them to understand what these mean and how important it is to remember those Australians who have fought for their country and those who keep us safe today. Australia Remembers is designed to ensure that the next generation shares the history and traditions of these important occasions.
Reviewed by Barbara Braxton – The Bottom Shelf –
As the centenary of the silencing of the guns of World War I approaches, and once again our attention turns to remembering Gallipoli, the Western Front and all those who have been part of our armed services in whatever capacity, this new book from the author of ANZAC Sons explores the concept of commemoration – what it is, how we do it and why it is so important.
There would be few towns in Australia that do not have a war memorial, one that becomes the focal point for commemorations on April 25 and November 11 each year. But many of our young students do not realise the significance of this place so this book which explains the background of conflict, the history and meaning of ANZAC Day, the significance of the elements of the ceremonies, and the role of Australia service people in war and peace since they were first called to support the “mother country” in 1914 with simple accessible text, coloured photos, and an appealing layout will be a wonderful addition to your library’s collection.
With a Table of Contents, glossary, index and bibliography it is a wonderful model for those learning about using the cues and clues to find the information they want, but what set this book apart are the frequent quotes about its various topics that have been collected from children who are the age of its target audience, offering their own insights into what these events mean for them. There are also questions to ponder and activities to do, all in all making this a superb contribution to the collection that has been produced over the last few years to commemorate what was arguably, the making of this nation.
Buzz Words Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly –
After the initial explanation, the book flows chronologically beginning with World War I and ending with The War on Terror, as well as Peacekeeping efforts. It explains to children why we remember and how, detailing various Australian War Memorials within Australia and abroad. Symbolism is included, such as the wearing of poppies and other national rituals, such as the minute silence on Remembrance Day and the baking of Anzac biscuits.
The layout is spot on, with the right mixture of images and information. The text is not excessive and is presented in different ways such as in thought bubbles, posed as questions and in sections with different coloured backgrounds. The images used keep the reader interested.
Photos, both current and historical, are included, as are maps and little drawings such as lightbulbs and question marks to attract attention to various text. A glossary is included for younger readers and the activities in the last chapter including making cardboard poppies and a recipe for Anzac biscuits, will keep little hands busy and make this book a more interactive experience.
This is exactly the type of non-fiction book I would have loved at age 6 to 12. Informative and interesting with relatable content. I highly recommend it.
bs_admin –
Within the pages of Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials there are many photographs, from then and now, including soldiers in times of war and maintaining peace, children knitting socks for soldiers in World War 1 and people continuing to honour the fallen, and all those who served, in commemorative services over one hundred years later. As we see the faces of the people who have served, and those who honour them, we can more deeply understand the sacrifices they made.
bs_admin –
The information and personal experiences in this book are presented in an engaging style, with excerpts of facts interspersed with images, impressions and thought-provoking questions. There are activities to help bring the information to life, such as a recipe for making Anzac biscuits and instructions for making a poppy wreath.
bs_admin –
This book provides ways to improve understanding and knowledge, which in turn allows us to more fully honour the memories of those we remember.
bs_admin –
Author, Allison Paterson, has written a comprehensive and notable book about Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials. The pages are adorned equally with factual text and full colour, absorbing images and illustrations which emphasise information on the pages, focussing young minds on the content of the page, enhancing comprehension of the text, creating a deeper understanding and connecting the reader to the human participants of war.
bs_admin –
I highly recommend Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials. It’s a powerful, exceptional resource that will have a high engagement of interest from anyone who reads it, and is a wonderful acknowledgement of past and present Australian Defence Force servicemen and women. It is because of the members of the ADF, that Australia is a safe and prosperous country.
https://booksteaandcupcakes.blog/2018/11/06/australia-remembers-anzac-day-remembrance-day-war-memorials-a-review/
Cherri Ryan, Kids Book Review –
Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials will help children and teenagers to consider and answer these questions, with clear and understandable explanations of the meaning remembrance continues to have in the lives of people today. This book provides ways to improve understanding and knowledge, which in turn allows us to more fully honour the memories of those we remember.
Bride Wright –
it’s a contemporary reference book like Allison Paterson’s ‘Australia Remembers’, that really hits home. It’s a best practice example of a non-fiction resource for children, that leaves its mark. It conveys the truth of Remembrance Day, and the importance of War Memorials for all modern Australian war efforts.
Brydie Wright –
read Australia Remembers in one sitting. I was drawn to the content, and the way the stories of the ANZACs, Remembrance Day and War Memorials were presented. I usually dread reading reference books for any other purpose than research, but I can honestly say that Paterson found a way to educate me, while genuinely holding my interest. As alluded to previously, this is the type of non-fiction book that can inspire children. It can engender a true empathy for the people of the past, and those that survive them in the present day.
http://www.brydiewright.com/433615230/6669925/posting/the-poo-book-blog-reviews-australia-remembers-books-on-tour
Brydie Wright –
I also loved the balance of original source materials (war photos, propaganda posters, and poetry), with quotes and anecdotes from the survivors of war and their relatives. That is the power of this book and its value in keeping a respect for ANZAC alive. Even if you do not have personal experience of war, nor relatives who fought for the cause, you can still walk away from this book more understanding of the true human experience of sacrifice and why so many Australians still commemorate Australian war efforts.
Brydie Wright –
With 20-years teaching under her belt, and many years reviewing for Magpies Magazine, Allison turned her skills to writing history and has become a specialist in junior reference materials for Australian military history. With industry recognition for children’s title Anzac Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front, Paterson has also had Granny’s Place and Shearing Time published, as well as receiving the coveted May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Creative Time Fellowship. Her newly released Australia Remembers, is first in a series of books with the history of war remembrance and the traditions of the Australian defence force at its heart.
Neville Taylor – The RUSI Vic Library –
The publisher should be truly proud of these wonderful publications.