The Red Poppy product reviews

This book is absolutely stunning. It is set on the Western Front, which makes for me makes a lovely change, as most New Zealand books about the war are Gallipoli based. The story is very moving, and would be a fantastic learning tool for ANZAC Day. This will be a book that comes out year after year before ANZAC day to explain why we attend the service, and it isn't just about the front at Gallipoli.

The illustrations are beautiful, they were not bright or 'interesting' enough for my son, who is perhaps too little to fully understand the meaning of the book. But i personally think that they are perfect. The story is very touching and allows even adults to remember that so many good hearted men lost their lives on both sides, and that although they are the 'enemy' they are very similar, both frightened and in the end, good will wins in the story. The dog keeps the story together and keeps the younger children engaged in the book.

The CD that comes is lovely, and a great addition that builds on the story. Overall i love this book and would recommend to any family looking for a story of the Western Front from a New Zealand soldiers perspective.

Red Poppy arrived in my letter box today. I cracked the packaging open and started with this book. I wanted to read it first before reading it to my daughter, just to make sure that the story wasn't going to be too much for her. She is pretty matter-of-fact, but I didn't want to scare her either.

The story in this book is about war, and the challenges that any soldier faces. It is scary in parts, but it is designed for kids. So you can expect the story to be relatively safe to share with a child.

The illustrations in this book are just so beautiful. Even though the colours are so dark and foreboding, you can't help but admire the detail. My daughter loved the images of the dog especially.

The book also comes with a CD, with a beautifully haunting song (which the words are included in the book). It made me a bit teary. There is also an instrumental version of the song which was nice too.

$33 for a book is a bit pricey, but it is hardcover and it comes with the CD. The book is meaningful, especially as ANZAC day is just around the corner. The whole package is really nice.

If your child is doing Anzac Day studies in April at school, this story will be appropriate for them. It will also open up questions about war, which can help with giving you teachable moments with your kids.