District teacher-librarian Leanne Dunbar recommends Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay for Remembrance Day.
This is a simple, but powerful story of a young boy spending Remembrance Day with his grandfather. The illustrations by Renne Benoit are especially beautiful.
The story begins with the boy asking his grandfather about being a soldier and going away to war while watching him put on his uniform and medals. His grandfather tells him how he was as proud as a peacock when wearing his uniform, and as brave as a lion when going into battle. The story ends with them at a Remembrance Day parade and ceremony.
I am drawn to this book because it reminds me of all the questions I asked as a young child to my own grandfathers who were both Second World War veterans. It also reminds me of all the Remembrance Day ceremonies I attended where I watched veterans march and then stand in silence, remembering those they served with.
The book finishes with the young boy asking his grandfather why he is crying as he lays a wreath in memory of his friend. His grandfather replies, “I am remembering. A war is something you never forget.” The young boy tells him, “Elephants never forget,” and his grandfather responds, “Then let’s be elephants.”
For me, Remembrance Day is about remembering the sacrifices veterans such as my grandfathers made for Canada and respecting their service. I hope we can all be elephants this Remembrance Day.
Indigenous Veterans Day is on November 8 and Remembrance Day is on November 11.
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion is available in SD42 libraries and as an ebook on Sora.
- Continue learning with the Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day Virtual Library (click the images to browse).
