THE LITTLE SHIPS: THE HEROIC RESCUE AT DUNKIRK IN WORLD WAR II

THE LITTLE SHIPS: THE HEROIC RESCUE AT DUNKIRK IN WORLD WAR II by Louise Borden. Illustrated by Michael Foreman

With Memorial Day coming up this month, I will be doing some featured books on war. The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in WWII doesn't fit in the Memorial Day topic, because it has to do with British history of WWII. However, the anniversary of Dunkirk is at the end of May through the beginning of June, and this little picture book does it justice!

Told in free verse form from the point of view of a young girl, The Little Ships is a heart tugger. Growing up around her father's fishing boat, she knows how to do the work it takes to be a help on the boat. She dresses like a boy (so no one but her father knows who she really is) and sets sail with him to rescue the British soldiers trapped at Dunkirk including her brother John. She recounts her journey, the hard work and what she sees, ending with the amazing accomplishments of these privately owned boats and their fishermen captains. It really is a reminder that great things can happen when we are joined together in a common purpose!

Alongside Activity- How about some herring, mackerel, or cod alongside the reading of The Little Ships? It could even be some good, old-fashioned, fish sticks and tartar sauce! The next time you do a family chore together point out the benefit and need of everyone working together to accomplish the task!