War Game: The acclaimed illustrated children’s picture book about World War I

Lovely illustrations have been put to this classic real life story set at Christmas time in the awesome trenches of World War 1. Amid the sound of gunfire, suddenly there's a silence and carols start to be sung by the opposing enemies -- the same tune, but one with English words, the other in German. Miraculously a soldier from the German side emerges putting his arms in the air as if to surrender. An English soldier does the same to the cries of 'Don't do it, its a trick!', but both meet, hands are shaken, and then a hug. Then as a real gesture of goodwill and friendship, 'luxury' goods like chocolate and cigarettes are exchanged ... suddenly, war has ceased and they all play a friendly game of football in muddy no man's land, and yet the very next day, it was back to bullets, bayonets and yet more bloodshed. Miraculous that Christmas Day may seem, but such is war. It all seems so pointless, and its 'a game' that nobody ever seems to win after literally millions have been massacred. However, my 10 year old grandson has been to see the story enacted on stage as part of the school curriculum. He loved it, and hence this purchase, which proves that a good read is better than a computer screen any day, but doubtless he'll want the DVD as well!

I recently discovered this book when teaching WWI to a lower ability Year 6 group. They were transfixed by the story and it helped foster their enthusiasm for this era. I used the book to explore the events surrounding Christmas during WW1, both at home and abroad. This led to a variety of writing tasks, the best being a letter home. I would highly recommend this book if teaching children about WW1, especially boys, as this is the first time I have seen children truly become enthralled by and understand the events surrounding this period in time. The BBC animation of the same name supports this text beautifully and is well worth buying.

My son is doing this story as part of a school topic. So is really enjoying reading the book

As a teacher I wanted this book to do some work with our KS2 children on Remembrance Day. I knew this story vaguely and someone recommended the book. Reading it is very emotional and the way it is written and the pictures are a work of art. Can't help but have a little cry. It is one of those books everyone should read and sums up the absolute stupidity and futility of war. Beautiful book to treasure.

What a beautiful book. I bought this as a gift for my son's friend, who loves anything to do with WW1. I did warn his mum that there isn't a happy ending, though - as the little boy is only 7, and I didn't want to upset him. The book is just gorgeous - such lovely illustrations and something that I think all children should know about - 'our' history.

Beautiful book which has various videos on you tube to link up to. As I teacher, I have used this in KS1 & KS2 and children have responded really well to it - especially boys.

Excellent book. Children enjoyed listening to the story. A great time filler at home to or after break or lunch. I would say for lower ks2 upwards.

This is a really good story to help children visualise what it might have been like in the 1st World War in the trenches. It is a sad ending, but my class really enjoyed it and did some great writing afterwards.