‘Anzac Biscuits’ is a beautiful story by Phil Cummings, showing readers a snapshot of World War I from the perspective of a family waiting back home. It is aimed at children aged 4 and older.

This story is based on Rachel, a young girl and her mother who are waiting at home for Rachel’s father to return from war. The story subtly juxtaposes in a way that young children can relate to, when it focuses on the warmth and safety of home life compared to the cold and unknown day to day duties of war. In the story it appears that Rachel wishes to share this comfort with her father and so the idea to send him ANZAC biscuits is born. It is clear that Cummings has done his research, with the way he describes the story from each perspective to even the detail of including a website link to a recipe for ANZAC biscuits.

‘ANZAC Biscuits’ has also been beautifully illustrated by Owen Swan. Swan has managed to portray the essence of this story so profoundly through the colours, materials and ideas behind the drawings he has created. I think this is important to the story because of the fact that it is aimed at a younger generation and these illustrations add another aspect for readers to understand.

All in all I thoroughly recommend this book. I can see a wonderful chance to discuss the ANZAC story with children from a very relatable, yet enjoyable viewpoint and see this story as a worthwhile investment for parents and teachers alike.

-Beth

Hi, I’m Beth and I am a Primary School Teacher, as well as trying my hand at many other little tid bits of jobs here and there! I have loved reading since I was little and would frequently be found with a torch and a good book under my blanket after dark! Having the opportunity to now write reviews for some amazing books is a fantastic opportunity and I have loved it so far.

Wanna join the discussion? beth.ruschen@hotmail.com