The King's Medal product reviews

As an English immigrant, I am well aware of World War II but have grown up with a different narrative, and have heard about the war mostly from a British perspective. Having lived in New Zealand for over 20 years, I am more aware of the contribution and sacrifices the New Zealand and Australian soldiers have made, but haven't delved too deeply into this history. The King's Medal is an amazing true story based on the ANZAC soldiers saving the Greek King in World War II. I have to say, from the first page, I was engrossed and couldn't put this book down. Manu's grandad retells how his platoon was tasked with protecting the Greek King and getting him to safety. The illustration of Crete at the beginning of the book sets the scene and also puts into perspective the heroic and epic feat that the platoon ultimately achieved. This is truly a story about bravery and loyalty with lots of action and suspense. There are also examples of humility, and it's touching how the villagers come out to give the King and his soldiers the last of their food.

The illustrations are top-notch and are extremely realistic. They compliment the story perfectly and are moody and atmospheric at times which adds to the drama and suspense. There is a section at the back with gives the reader background information and states that this story is based on true events that occurred on 20th - 23rd May 1941 in Crete. There is also a section on the four different medals that were awarded to the soldiers and it is quite poignant that the names of these real-life heroes are displayed.

I couldn't fault this book. It was entertaining for young and old (I even got my hubby to read it and he admitted he learned something new!) The illustrations are stunning, and the story is something we should all be aware of... highly recommended.

It is hard to define an audience for a book like this. Although it is suitable for children aged eight and over, Mr 12 and his 18-year-old cousin had to be persuaded to take turns because they both wanted to read it at the same time. Miss Nine, who had already read it, had assured them that they would both find it intriguing. And then it was the turn of the adults. My uncle was a soldier who survived being stranded on Crete during the second World War so his daughter, my cousin, was just as fascinated with the story as the younger ones had been. Truly a story for the whole family.

I think what appealed to us most was the amazing artwork. Not actual photographs, but near enough to the real thing that as readers we could almost picture ourselves there. The colours, the dry rocky landscape, the skies full of parachutes, the aircraft high in the daytime sky above the Parthenon and the night sky above the sea - all contributed to the impression of being there and taking part in the adventure. Mr 12, who is well and truly into war simulation games online, was especially interested in the king's rescue; like Manu, he was keen to learn more.

The last pages of the book are dedicated to the historical facts which inspired the story. This was a section that Miss Nine had skipped, but which the boys (and my cousin) found compulsive reading. After all three had read the book they spent an evening outside by the campfire, discussing their own family stories. Although my uncle's experiences were slightly different, he too had been assisted by the people in a small village and kept hidden until the war was over. He never forgot their kindness, and on his return to New Zealand he renewed contact with the family that had sheltered him. He remained close to them right up to the time of his death, and travelled back to Crete several times to renew the friendship. Little extras like that really bring a book like this to life and ensure it will be treasured by his extended family, I have a feeling that the book will remain on my cousin's bookshelf in Whangamata so it can be shared with other family when they visit.

One final aspect of the book that Mr 18 and I appreciated was the page on different medals. The artwork shows the intricacies of the designs, and below are listed the names of the members of 12 Platoon who received them for their services as bodyguards. The medals underline the human element of warfare - that it is not just about destruction and killing, but also about bonding and caring for comrades, and for recognising just what they have done. War brings out the best as well as the worst in people as Manu learned.