Christmas in the Trenches - by John McCutcheon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This moving book about peace, understanding, and unity is based on the real-life World War I event known as the Christmas Truce.

It is cold and clear on Christmas Eve night in 1914. Suddenly, a strange sound pierces the darkness. Someone is singing a Christmas carol in German.

Francis Tolliver and his fellow British soldiers are holed up in muddy trenches along the Western Front. Their enemies--German soldiers--lie in wait just across a field known as "No Man's Land." As the Germans' carol ends, Tolliver and the other British soldiers sing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Soon carols are being sung back and forth. Then a figure emerges in the dark, carrying a small Christmas tree with lighted candles. The British and German soldiers slowly leave their trenches--and the war--behind to stand together in the open field.

This haunting story is adapted by award-winning songwriter John McCutcheon from his song of the same name. Henri Sørensen's traditional, full-color oil paintings reinforce the emotional power and dignity of the story. Back matter provides more information about the historical event, and a CD featuring readings of the story and recordings of "Silent Night" and "Christmas in the Trenches" is included.

Review Quotes

"The text is clear and lyrical. Sorensen's beautiful double-page spreads in sepia shades show the young men from the two sides celebrating together-with individuals just like them. Lengthy notes fill in the history and present an impassioned call for peace." --Booklist

"Sorensen's atmospheric oil paintings bring the miraculous night of peace to life with a wide, double-page spread that allows room to show many soldiers at once as well as the expanse of the battlefield." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

A Wisconsin native, John McCutcheon is an accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter who has produced over forty albums. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and numerous other awards, and regularly appears on National Public Radio. The author of several picture books, he lives in Georgia.

Henri Sørensen attended the University of Arhus and the Academy of Fine Arts, both in Denmark. He has illustrated over twenty books for children and is the author-illustrator of two others. Sørensen lives in Denmark.