The Belgian Twins

Twins

by Lucy Fitch Perkins, Crystal V. Broyles (Foreword)

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: History, Childrens, Classics

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1917

About the author

From a book jacket: "In 1910, at a crowded school in a poor section of Chicago, Lucy Fitch Perkins found children from twenty-seven different countries learning together. This experience instilled in her a vivid awareness of the task that faced American teachers: to bring out of this potpourri of races one unified nation. Her idea grew into a series of stories, some with geographical backgrounds, others with historical settings. Her goal was to increase sympathy and understanding for the unique qualities of the different nationalities and the heritage left to them and to us by our forebears. The Twins books have received acclaim from librarians, teachers, and parents, but, more important, from the children themselves."

Reviews

[Amy T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my son as part of The Good and the Beautiful homeschool curriculum. Most of the selections for this curriculum are a bit sappy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good this was. It's about a set of young twins who live in a village in Belgium when the Germans invade in WW1. I read that Lucy Fitch Perkins wrote a whole series about twins from different countries to help schoolchildren better understand their classmates from around the world in America's melting pot cities. What a noble goal! I also read that another book by Perkins, The Dutch Twins, was the book that turned Beverly Cleary into a reader. This author is definitely worth knowing about!

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 📙 is very helpful for you and your children because the Belgian twins are very sweet, kind, obedient to their parents, helpful to their parents, and very trustworthy! I personally think that your children will grow into fine young kids if they really want to please you. And I think the twins from the story set a great example to all who read this book. And parents in the story the twin's parents are always very loving and patient to their kids so this is also a great example for all parents as well.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the lead up to ANZAC day, I always like to read something that helps me reflect on the wars our defence force have been involved in. This year, this was my pick. I bought it a year or so ago, simply because I love old books and love anything about Belgium.
This is a delightful book, with more than hints of the reality of war. The most fascinating thing about this book is that it was published in 1917, before the war ended. Working a happy ending into this fact was tricky but achieved.
Eye opening, this children’s book gently touches on the harder things of the war. Worth a read.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud for Y4, Y2, & Kindie students. This was our first twins book because it’s the only one I’ve been able to get my hands on! We enjoyed it but I had intended it more for the kindie student and the twins are 9 years old & get separated from their parents during the outbreak of WWI and it is quite sad, so it was better suited for the older students.

[Jesse Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Belgian Twins, by Lucy Fitch Perkins, is a book written about the adventure of two young twins, a brother and sister, as Belgium is invaded by Germany during World War 1. The story shows how the people of Belgium reacted to the invasion and their strength during. The twins, Jan and Marie, must find the courage to leave their home and embark on a journey without losing hope that they will find their parents. Throughout the story, Perkins depicts the harshness of the war in subtle ways, as such to only slightly allude to it as she also shows that young children should only know that it is happening but not know the whole story. The young children meet and befriend adults who are saddened by the truth of the war but hold on for the sake of the children. These characters believe that no matter what that they should be strong and hold on to hope that they will have their happy ending. Perkins does share some harsh realities in the book, such as the zeppelin air raid of Antwerp and the destruction of small towns and farms at the hands of the aggressive German soldiers as they invade the unsuspecting country. Though remembering that this is in fact a children’s book, it does hold an appropriate ending that shows that hope is important to have throughout the dark times to keep yourself strong.

[JustCountry88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Belgian Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins
This book is set during World War 1 when Belgium is invaded by the Germans. In the farmlands of Belgium the twins lived with their parents on a farm. Their father was called into service for the Belgian Army. That meant that the twins had to help their mother keep the farm running while he was away fighting for their country. Jan and Marie are helping their mother one day when the German Army arrives. They can see fires in the distance as their mother quickly hides them in the root cellar. The quiet descends on the farm once again, Jan and Marie come out of hiding to find their mother gone as well as all the livestock. Leaving a message behind in the house they set out to go look for her. The story tells of all the twins Adventures as they travel through Belgium and all the way to America looking for their mother. In the end the whole family is reunited in a surprising fashion and end up settling in America. It is a good story and gives a good but brief idea of the struggles the people endured during that depressing time. Yet, it also shares how they also worked together to keep others safe. The book ends on a high note which is what makes it very enjoyable.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised by The Belgian Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins. This 1917 novel tells the story of two Belgian refugees--two children, a boy and a girl, Jan and Marie or Janke and Mie. This isn't a quaint historical book. No, it was contemporary. The book tells of the German army invading Belgium, disrupting if not destroying the villages and farms in their path. The twins' father joined the army when the first rumors of invasion came. The twins become separated from their mother when the German army comes to their farm. The children are hidden safely away, however. They come out of hiding to discover their farm a wreck and their mother missing. Which about matches the picture of their village. The children start searching for their mother in a nearby town, but an immediate reunion is not possible. Fortunately, the children meet a handful of kind souls along the way: 'Granny' and Father and Mother DeSmet and their children. The two eventually end up in America as refugees! It is quite an adventure how they got there! This isn't a sad refugee story, but a happy one with a couple of surprises at the end.

[Lorena Contreraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was part of the homework assignment for my 4th grader to read in her language arts from the Good and the Beautiful curriculum. It truly was a good and beautiful book. It's all based on a true story and though it all takes place during WWl it is written in a way for the reader to understand what is going on without any gruesome details yet deep enough to comprehend the severity of the situation. It teaches persevering, courage, love, hope and patients. So many wonderful character qualities in the midst of trouble. I highly recommend it for children ages 8 to 15.

[Linnea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Belgian twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins is a story about a family who lives in Belgium during World War One. It's a nice book with kind people in who help the twins on there journey. This book shows so much kindness and compassion. It isn't fast paced, and the children are really polite. I love how the twin care about each other so much and are polite to the people who help them. This is a really great short book that makes you happy.

[Luke T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Belgian Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins is about a set of young twins that experience World War 1 and get separated from their father and mother. This is a great book for kids because it is about learning, bravery, sticking to your task, love, happiness, compassion, and things like that. But it also has enough action that kids don't get bored. This book is fun, interesting, meaningful, and a great way to teach your kids to be kind to others.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a about ten years old..for some reason something about this book haunted me and never left me. This afternoon I was sitting and reading a book by Phillip Lopate and images of the Belgian Twins kept on flashing before me. I searched for it on the internet and now I am reading it once more!!!

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first books I can remember reading. My father told me he had read it when he was a boy. He was born in 1917 so the book would have been almost new when he read it. This book showed me a place and time very far from my own.

[Eliza Haentzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a good heart-warming story. It is safe for kids and I enjoyed the stories a lot! There is NO bad content in this book whatsoever. Good story.
recommended for boys and girls ages 8-12

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on true events, this little story is a delight to read. One gets a real feel for the plight of the Belgians during WWI, as seen through the eyes of two children. Highly recommended.

[Jessica Nyhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Belgian Twins, written by Lucy Fitch Perkins, tells a heartfelt story about eight year old twins, Jan and Marie, and their journey in War, to find their parents who had been separated from them. They meet friends along the way, who helped them to find their parents. I really enjoyed reading the book. My favorite part was when they went to America and found their aunt. Belgian Twins is a great book, and I'd definitely recommend it. I hope you have an amazing time reading this wonderfully written book. I hope you love just as much as I do.

[Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belgian Twins, by Lucy Fitch Perkins, is about two Belgian kids who had to face many challenges because their father was sent off to a war and their mother got lost. When their mother gets lost they have be on their own but eventually meets granny (the eel lady) who feeds them and takes care of them. Also they meet the De Smets who take them to Antwerp. I Love that they are not on their own and many people help them along the way! I would highly recommend this book because of how well written it is.

[Esther May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second Twin book by Lucy Fitch Perkins. I think they are fun and there are so many of them it takes you all around the world. These are great for elementary readers and will keep them busy since there are so many of them. My copy had quite a bit of copy/print errors, and misspelled words.

[Abby Glann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story of a Belgian family during World War I. I am pre-reading options for our homeschool year and am excited to see what the other Twins books are like. This one beautifully wove daily life with faith and then the unexpected perils of war altogether. The Gutenberg copy via the Libby does not have images which other reviews indicate are lovely.

[Bethia Gail]

it's ok but is to sad i'm crying in this story so that's why please like and share this story to your friends but i'm so happy so thank you thank you for you all of you read this story thank you so much

[Steph Moxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ELA Reading

[Rae · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely boring

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan & Marie!!!

[Laya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read it for school but I didn't really like it

[Kristy Woodwyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute kids book I read when I was a kid!

[Chanell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my daughter for her homeschool curriculum, I really found this book quite endearing, captivating and emotional. It’s about a sibling set from Belgium and what they endure during the German invasion in early WW1. We thoroughly enjoyed it as it created an empathy for the lives of these children and helped us both understand some of the historical context of the time.

[The Book Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific kids books about a period of history often forgotten in modern times. In my classic readings over the last year I have often come across references to Belgium in WWI. Beyond a few snippets I picked up in school I knew virtually nothing about the terrible actions of Germany against Belgium at this time. So despite being a children’s book this was quite an educational read.
Written in 1917 and supposedly based on a true story, it must have had quite an impact on its young readers. And I see no reason why today’s kids wouldn’t enjoy it. The writing is clear and engaging, the characters are likeable and relatable, and sadly the themes of the book are enduring. It’s a great story and it deserves to be republished. Perhaps though under a different title, given the passing of time.