10 Patriotic Picture Books To Read For Veterans Day

image courtesy of Barnes & Noble '20

Every year on November 11, our country has been honoring United States veterans. This annual day of observance may leave children wondering why they don't have school, or why mom or dad has the day off from work. This list of picture books is a great opportunity to share why we observe Veterans Day with the kids in your life.

The Poppy Lady, by Barbara Walsh, illustrated by Layne Johnson
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This picture book follows Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia who was determined to find a way to honor and remember soldiers. Moina wanted to make the poppy a symbol of remembrance. Her determination paid off and the poppy is now a familiar symbol of Veterans Day. After reading this book, your child will be spotting red poppies everywhere they go.

The Wall, by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ronald Himler

This picture book is about a young boy who travels to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall with his father, in search of his grandfather’s name. As the boy looks for the name, he encounters a wheelchair-bound veteran visiting the wall too. The boy’s curiosity is overshadowed by his dad’s somber reason for visiting. Reading this book together, you can explore the historical significance of the Vietnam War and pay tribute to its veterans.

America’s White Table, by Margot Theis Raven, illustrated by Mike Benny

This picture book helps to explore the significance of military service from the perspective of a family. When service members have fallen, are missing, or are held captive in the line of duty, a white table is set up in remembrance. Every item placed on the table is a symbol for understanding and appreciating the service these men and women have provided for the United States. This book offers a great way to explain to children the importance of remembering those who have died in service, and the sacrifices they have made for their country.

Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and His Service Dog, by Luis Carlos Montalvan and Bret Witter, photographs by Dan Dion

This story is about a service dog by the name of Tuesday who helps a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Based on a true story and told through the eyes of Tuesday, this picture book helps children understand the true day to day life of a returning veteran. The adorable pictures of Tuesday will be sure to please, while also providing an example of how service dogs can help veterans.

Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day, by Grace Houser

With this informative picture book children will discover the history of Veterans Day complete with facts and definitions. What better way to honor those who have served than by teaching children about the sacrifices they made for their country?

H is for Honor, by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Victor Juhasz

This alphabet picture book delves into everything military—from history, to the meaning of ranks and divisions, to what it is like to be a military child. Navy SEALS, Green Berets, and Army Rangers are written about in more detail, and pictures reveal what life on base is really like. Your child will discover the meaning of patriotism and have an opportunity to discuss courage and commitment. After reading this book, your little one may be interested in sending off a care package to a soldier overseas.

Hero Dad and Hero Mom, by Melinda Hardin ; illustrations by Bryan Langdo

These two picture books tell the story of a boy who compares his father, a U.S. soldier, to a superhero. However, these superhero soldiers can be moms too. These books are presented as a pair to highlight the fact that moms can be soldiers too. Kids will be able to recognize that military families come in many different forms.

Rags: Hero Dog of WWII, by Margot Theis Raven, illustrated by Petra Brown

This true story shows us how canines have been used as soldiers of war since World War I. Found on the streets of Paris by Private James Donovan, Rags was brought back to base and put to work. He learned to help clear trenches, deliver messages, and even salute! The muted illustrations show the dark time of war, but spare the reader from grim details. Dog lovers will enjoy learning about this furry war veteran and the capacity of one dog to be loyal to a country, as well as to the solder who took him in.

America The Beautiful, by Katharine Lee Bates ; illustrated by Chris Gall

​This book features four verses of the classic nineteenth-century poem. Written from his unique perspective as the great, great grandnephew of “America the Beautiful” writer, Katharine Lee Bates, Chris Gall transforms this beloved patriotic song into monumental works of art–from purple mountain majesties to gleaming alabaster cities. 

F is for Flag, by Wendy Cheyette Lewison ; illustrated by Barbara Duke

F Is for Flag shows children in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.