Memorial Day Books

Memorial Day is not just a day off school, picnics, parades and store-wide sales.  It’s a day to remember those soldiers who gave their lives for our country. At the last Sunday, I saw many adults and children alike enjoying the marching bands, military vehicles and fire trucks. I hope you and your children will enjoy these three books about the holiday and parades.

“The Wall"
Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Ronald Himler
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Sandpiper (August 24, 1992)
ISBN-13: 978-0395629772

A boy visits the Vietnam Memorial with his father.  They find the boy’s grandfather’s name on the Wall. The boy’s father mourns the loss of his own father. He learns the Vietnam Memorial is a sad, solemn place, yet it is important for everyone to know the Wall is there to honor the fallen soldiers. Very moving.

“Memorial Day Surprise”
Theresa Martin Golding
Illustrated by Alexandra Artigas
Reading level: Ages 4-8
School & Library Binding: 32 pages
Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr (March 2004)
ISBN-13: 978-1590780480

Marco is so excited to see the parade. His mother told him there would be a wonderful surprise. Is it the marching band? The fire trucks? Floats?  The surprise is none of those things, it’s not even candy. It’s something much more special than that. At the end of the parade, the veterans come marching, and at the head of the line, is Marco’s grandfather.  Marco is so proud. 

“A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea”
Michael Ian Black
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 7, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1416979227

Doesn’t a pig parade sound great? Dress the pigs in marionette uniforms, give them instruments and watch them march, right? WRONG? This amusing book illustrates many reasons why a pig parade just won’t work.  Not a Memorial Day theme, just a fun book about parades.

Thank you to all who have served or are serving our country. Enjoy the holiday everyone.