'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Review: A Day to Remember

You know a book by Jackie French is going to be researched to the nth degree, and presented with clarity, emotion and fascination - and A Day to Remember is no exception.

Essentially covering Anzac Day - from Gallipoli to modern day - the author has written varied accounts of this important day in Australia and New Zealand's history.

Beginning with the very first storming of what is now known as Anzac Cove - a narrow strip of Turkish beach - on 25 April 1915, we follow Anzac days over time, right to current day and beyond.

Once a day that barely commemorated our fallen, and indeed, at times risked their being Forgotten, this book follows the evolution of a day that has gradually become one of the most important on our calendar - a day where not only the few survivors of our very first wars can march with pride, but now a day where new soldiers, ancestors of veterans, and everyday Australians and children can remember the men and women who have died to keep our country free.

If the book proper doesn't, then The Ode of Remembrance, reproduced at the end of the book, will surely bring a tear to your eye.

Told in consummate French style - with panache and emotion - this book is strikingly illustrated with haunting images by Mark Greenwood, using his signature pen, ink and acrylic paint techniques. A unique, beautifully created and produced book, A Day to Remember is certainly one all Australians should own - fans of children's picture books or not.

Title: A Day to Remember: The Story of Anzac Day
Author: Jackie French
Illustrator: Mark Wilson
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 March 2012
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780732293604
For ages: 7+
Type: Picture Book