Looking to add to your collection? Here is a list of books about the Christmas Day Truce.
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Amid the darkness and devastation of World War I, something extraordinary happened on Christmas Day, 1914. Soldiers from opposing sides laid down their weapons, sang carols across the trenches, and met in No Man’s Land to exchange small gifts and handshakes. This moment—known as the Christmas Truce—remains one of the most powerful reminders of peace and shared humanity in history.
For children, it’s a story that beautifully illustrates hope, kindness, and the power of connection, even in the hardest times. The picture books below bring this remarkable event to life through moving text and art, making it accessible to students of different ages and perfect for sharing in classrooms or libraries during the holiday season.
For Younger Children (Ages 5–8)
The Christmas Truce by Hilary Robinson, illustrated by Martin Impey – https://amzn.to/4iZSq5B
This gentle picture book introduces young readers to the extraordinary true story of peace in the midst of war. On Christmas Eve 1914, British and German soldiers began singing “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”) across the trenches. The next morning, they left their posts, met in No Man’s Land, exchanged greetings and small gifts, and even played a friendly game of football. The simple language and expressive illustrations make this a moving, age-appropriate introduction to the event for early elementary children.
Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon, illustrated by Henri Sorensen – https://amzn.to/4oKXo7m
Based on McCutcheon’s well-known song of the same name, this picture book tells the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce through the eyes of an elderly grandfather who recalls his experience as a young British soldier. The story captures the wonder of hearing a German carol drifting across the battlefield and the joy of discovering shared humanity with supposed enemies. Warm illustrations and a lyrical tone make it ideal for read-alouds with younger children, while an author’s note provides helpful historical context.
For Older Children (Ages 8–12)
Shooting at the Stars: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by John Hendrix – https://amzn.to/48Ny4ru
This richly illustrated picture book presents the story in the form of a letter written by a young British soldier to his mother. The combination of powerful text and detailed artwork conveys both the hardship of trench life and the miraculous moments of peace that occurred during the truce. Soldiers share songs, light Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and bury their dead together before returning to battle. The book includes an author’s note with historical background, making it a strong choice for upper elementary and middle-grade readers.
War Game by Michael Foreman – https://amzn.to/4iTGLVZ
Although not exclusively about the Christmas Truce, this short illustrated novel includes it as a central episode. It follows four young English friends who enlist and experience the realities of war. The Christmas Truce provides a poignant moment of hope and shared humanity before tragedy strikes. The combination of text and watercolor art helps older readers grasp both the camaraderie and the sorrow of wartime.
Christmas Truce: A True Story of World War 1 by Aaron Shepard, Wendy Edelson – https://amzn.to/4q2e4Zl
A short, accessible true-story version for children ~9+. It includes realistic depiction of life in the trenches, the emotion of the soldiers, and factual elements, without being overly graphic
The Unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914 by Baby Professor – https://amzn.to/4rXhQoH
Non-fiction / educational book that gives a broader historical context but with focus on the truce: what led to it, what happened, and reflections. Includes visuals.
Teacher or Librarian Notes
Discussion Ideas
- Begin by asking students what they know about World War I, then introduce the idea that even in the middle of war, peace can briefly break through.
- After reading, discuss why the soldiers might have decided to stop fighting and how they may have felt meeting their enemies face-to-face.
- Explore the theme of shared humanity—what connects us even when we’re on different sides of a conflict?
- For younger children, focus on empathy and kindness: “What are ways we can show peace and friendship in our own lives?”
Literacy Connections
- Compare two books from the list to notice differences in tone and illustration style (for example, Christmas in the Trenches vs. Shooting at the Stars).
- Encourage students to write a letter home as if they were one of the soldiers experiencing the truce, describing what they saw and felt.
- Older students can look at a primary source letter or diary entry from 1914 (available online from museums or archives) and connect it to the books.
Cross-Curricular Extensions
- History: Map the Western Front to show where the truce took place. Discuss how it spread spontaneously along parts of the line.
- Music: Play “Silent Night” in both English and German to illustrate how the carol united the soldiers.
- Art: Have students illustrate their own “peace in the trenches” scene using mixed media or collage.
- Character Education: Link to school themes like peacebuilding, kindness, or conflict resolution during the holiday season.
Display or Bulletin Board Idea
Create a “Peace Begins with a Song” display. Feature the books, a short summary of the 1914 truce, student reflections or artwork, and the lyrics to “Silent Night” in English and German. Add a banner that reads “Even one small act of peace can change the world.”
The story of the Christmas Truce reminds us that peace often begins in small, brave moments—through a song, a smile, or an act of understanding. As you share these books with your students or patrons, invite them to imagine what peace might look like in their own lives and communities. Whether through a simple act of kindness or a shared carol, we can all play a part in carrying forward the spirit of that remarkable Christmas Day in 1914.
I have not read these books, so please read them for yourself to make sure they are appropriate for your library.
Read more Bibliography and Book List posts.
Other Christmas posts.
Check out my lists on Benable
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