Remembrance Day books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate
When is Remembrance Day? Wednesday 11 November 2026; then Thursday 11 November 2027. Remembrance Sunday, with services and parades, is the Sunday nearest 11 November.
Poppies, the two-minute silence and why we remember, explained gently for children. Inside: A grown-up guide: talking about war and remembering, gently; 8 fact cards: what, when and why; Reading and questions at two levels, with answers; A timeline from 1914 to today; Writing frames: why we wear a poppy, and a POPPY poem; A poppy colouring page and 4 bookmarks; Make a poppy wreath, with a cut-out template; A quiet reflection page and a certificate. Ages 5–9, instant download.
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Remembrance Day on 11 November marks the end of the First World War in 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In the UK, Canada and Commonwealth countries people wear red poppies and keep a two-minute silence to remember everyone who has died in wars.
Who celebrates Remembrance Day, and books for each
UK, Canada and Commonwealth
People wear poppies, schools hold a two-minute silence at 11am, and on Remembrance Sunday there are services at war memorials and churches.
📖 Free guideWhere the Poppies Now Grow
Hilary Robinson
two friends in the First World War and the poppies that grew after
Questions, activities and a printable sheet →
📖 Free guideThe Day War Came
Nicola Davies
a refugee child's story, for talking about war today
Questions, activities and a printable sheet →
📖 Free guideThe Poppy Lady
Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
how the poppy became a symbol of remembrance
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
Questions to ask while you read
Use these with any of the Remembrance Day books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.
- What is the family in the story getting ready for?
- Which part of Remembrance Day would you most like to try, and why?
- How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
- Is anything in the story like something your family does?
- What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Remembrance Day?
Ways to celebrate Remembrance Day with children
- Make a paper poppy and talk about why people wear them.
- Practise a one-minute silence and talk about what you thought about.
- Look at a local war memorial together and read a name.
- Ask a grandparent about someone in the family they remember.
Remembrance Day picture books at a glance
All the Remembrance Day books on this page: Where the Poppies Now Grow (Hilary Robinson), The Day War Came (Nicola Davies), The Poppy Lady (Barbara Elizabeth Walsh).
Questions parents ask about Remembrance Day
Why do we wear poppies?
Red poppies grew on the battlefields of France and Belgium after the First World War, and became a sign of remembering the people who died.
How do I explain war to a young child?
Keep it simple and calm: sometimes countries fight, lots of people get hurt, and on this day we remember them and hope for peace. Let your child's questions lead.
Related festivals: Bonfire Night · Day of the Dead
All festivals, by month and by faith →
Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.