Le Quesnoy: The Story of the Town New Zealand Saved

by Glyn Harper, Jenny Cooper (Illustrator)

Le Quesnoy (pronounced Leck con wah) is a town in northern France. It is surrounded by high walls and deep trenches. In World War I it was occupied by the German army for four long years.

In November 1918 the town was liberated by soldiers from far-away New Zealand. Because these men used a bit of kiwi ingenuity they were able to take the town back without a single civilian life being lost. This has become one of the most famous stories in New Zealand military history and the relationship between Le Quesnoy and New Zealand continues to this day.

This book tells the story of Le Quesnoy's liberation through the eyes of a child living in the town at the time. Stunning watercolour illustrations and simple language make this an ANZAC picture book that young readers will be able to imaginatively engage with.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2012

About the author

Glyn Harper is Professor of War Studies at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He is now General Editor of the Centenary History of New Zealand and the First World War. A former teacher, he joined the Australian Army in 1988 and after eight years transferred to the New Zealand Army, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Glyn was the army's official historian for the deployment to East Timor and is the author of numerous history books.

Reviews

[Philippa Werry · Rating 5 out of 5]

NZ Book Week is coming up so I'm re-reading some NZ books for my Children's war books blog. Lovely illustrations here by Jenny Cooper who also illustrated Glyn's book "Jim's letters" which won the picture book award in the 2015 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

[Karen Dransfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story based on a true event especially for a children audience. A great book. Lovely artwork too.