Jim's Letters

"Jim's Letters" offers a tender and accessible introduction to the realities of World War I, specifically the Gallipoli campaign, through the eyes of two brothers. Tom writes from their family farm, sharing everyday life, while Jim's letters detail his experiences as an Anzac soldier in Egypt and the trenches. The book uses an epistolary format, featuring fold-out letter inserts and exquisite illustrations, making history tangible for young readers. It gently explores themes of family connection, separation, and the sacrifices made during wartime, providing a valuable starting point for discussions about history, empathy, and resilience. Suitable for ages 4-11, it's a powerful read-aloud or independent read for older elementary children.

Dear Jim Your postcard arrived today. I showed it to the family. Mum misses you . . .Between December 1914 and August 1915 Tom and Jim write to each other whenever they get a chance. Tom talks about life at home on the farm while Jim writes from Egypt and then from the trenches of the Gallipoli peninsula.From the author and illustrator of Le Quesnoy comes a moving story of two brothers separated by war. It is based on the thousands of letters sent by and to Anzac soldiers fighting at Gallipoli, one of the most significant campaigns of the First World War.This beautiful hardback depicts life at war and on the home front with exquisite illustrations by Jenny Cooper and fold-out letter inserts.