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Another awesome book that came out in lockdown and should be completely celebrated is Jacqueline, the 2nd book by the dynamic duo Pierre-Jacques Ober and Jules Ober

It tells the true story of the author’s mother Jacqueline who was 7 years old when the Second World War broke out. The story tracks a period of 5 years and includes her experience of war in France, Northern Africa and Germany. Like their award winning Good Son, the illustrations are so very unique in that they are hobby shop figurines ‘little soldiers’ arranged in tiny sets and photographed for a very cinematic and powerful storytelling experience. The scenes are so incredibly lifelike and even though they are essentially toys, it does not detract from the emotive messages of the story. Less bleak than their previous masterpiece, it is a wonderful way to capture the imagination of kids interested in history. It still explores the perils of war with a wonderful focus on strong women and is more accessible for primary school readers than The Good Son, which was best suited to 12+

I also love the inclusion of real photos and references from the real Jacqueline in the back of the book.

Both books in the series are just phenomenal and deserve all the awards and accolades…definitely one of my favourites for the year. Do yourself a favour and check them both out, just incredible!