Remembrance Day is coming up in just over two weeks.

Not only should we use this day to honour the brave actions of veterans who fought for freedom, but also to teach our children about them.

Today I am sharing three picture books for different age groups that you can use to explain the meaning of Remembrance Day to your children.

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay, illustrated by Renné Benoit (Tundra Books, 2009)

In this book, geared to ages 4-6, a grandfather tells his grandson about his experience going to war, as he prepares for a Remembrance Day service. Although it is appropriately tinged with sadness, the animal similes and lovely illustrations make this a gentle introduction to war.

In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McRae by Linda Granfield, illustrated by Janet Wilson (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1995)

This book about the famous poem that made the scarlet poppy a symbol of remembrance can be used two ways. You can simply read the poem with the vivid paintings that illustrate each line, or you can read the interspersed pages of history that cover McRae’s life and the events of World War I. These pages are full of well-researched detail that would be appropriate for children 9 and up. The book also contains photographs, posters, and other archival material, which is an excellent addition.

The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh, illustrated by Layne Johnson (Calkins Creek, 2012)

This short illustrated biography follows Moina Belle Michael’s persistent attempts to do something for American soldiers in World War I. Inspired by John McCrae’s poem, she bought silk poppies to pin to the soldiers’ uniforms, and vowed that “[s]he would not stop until every American wore a poppy to remember the soldiers.” The text is not particularly long (recommended for ages 7-10), but the book includes a prologue, epilogue, author’s note, acknowledgements, and selected bibliography for those who want to learn more.

I hope you have the chance to pick up one of these books to read yourself or share with your family on November 11.