The Good Son: A Story from the First World War, Told in Miniature

***WARNING***

We believe that picture books are for older readers, as well as for the little ones. This book is one for the big kids and is not suitable for children under the age of 10. If you're over 10 we think you should find an adult to watch the story with you, and talk to them about the book after watching. If you're a parent or educator, we strongly recommend that you watch this story first to make sure it's suitable for the children in your home, classroom or storytime.

About one hundred years ago, the whole world went to war.
The war was supposed to last months. It lasted years.

It is Christmastime, 1914, and World War I rages. A young French soldier named Pierre had quietly left his regiment to visit his family for two days, and when he returned, he was imprisoned. Now he faces execution for desertion, and as he waits in isolation, he meditates on big questions: the nature of patriotism, the horrors of war, the joys of friendship, the love of family, and how even in times of danger, there is a whole world inside every one of us. And how sometimes that world is the only refuge. Its publication coinciding with the centennial of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, this moving and sparely narrated story, based on true events, is reenacted in fascinating miniature scenes that convey the emotional complexity of the tale. Notes from the creators explore the innovative process and their personal connection to the story.

Written by Pierre-Jacques Ober, illustrated by Felicity Coonan & Jules Ober. Read by Pierre-Jacques and Jules Ober. 

Credits

• Written by

  Pierre-Jacques Ober

• Illustrated by

  Felicity Coonan Jules Ober

• Performed by

  Pierre-Jacques Ober Jules Ober

• Published By

  Walker Books Australia

Suitable for

Duration

16:34

Reading Challenges