With June 6, 2004, marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day, a flurry of books on the subject has hit the market. On Juno Beach: Canada’s D-Day Heroes aims to make this historic event come to life for readers ages eight and up. Hugh Brewster condenses the complex story of the invasion into a concise and crisp history that concentrates on the Canadian contributions to Operation Overlord. (Because of this tight focus, readers should already be familiar with the principal players and events of the Second World War.) The text features ample illustrations, including historic photographs, paintings by war artists, and colour maps, all of which add interest and detail without making the pages too busy. Brewster has also made heavy use of commentary from D-Day veterans, incorporating eyewitness reports in sidebars. These retrospective accounts highlight the soldiers’ bravery but also – and perhaps more importantly – show as well their recognition, in hindsight, of the devastation the war wrought on all its participants. These voices of experience carry an authority and immediacy that will not be lost on the book’s young audiences.

Brewster’s effective use of illustration, personal narrative, and historical accounts makes this book an enjoyable read as well as an excellent library and classroom resource. The price also means it’s affordable for families. In his introduction to the text, noted historian Jack Granatstein sounds an urgent call for all Canadians to remember the sacrifices of our nation’s D-Day heroes. On Juno Beach goes a long way to ensuring that they will not be forgotten by our youngest generation.