Reading the moving story of "Lone Pine," inspired our writing today. The authors are Susie Brown and Margaret Warner and the illustrator Sebastian Ciaffaglione.
Leah wrote: Based on a true story, "Lone Pine" really moved my soul! In a battlefield in Turkey, two brothers far away from home have to suffer losing their youngest brother in battle. They send a pine cone to their mother...not knowing it would turn into a symbol of remembrance! Lest we forget!
Jia-Yi wrote: "Lone Pine" is a moving and powerful true story. The authors use short, sharp and powerful sentences to get straight to the point...the story appealed to me because of the dramatic and dynamic vocabulary, for example, "solitary" and "memorial." I also realised that many things resembled the three brothers who fought in the war. For example, the three seeds grew into three saplings, two of them stood tall, while the third withered away. This story reached out to touch my heart. Lest we forget!
Harry wrote: The weather is foul. I can see a storm coming. It is nearly time. The real fight is about to begin. I can sense it. Many will be lost. I'll be lucky to survive...my one wish is to survive this terrible war along with my brothers......the war has finally come to an end. Somehow I survived but, I have yet to find my little brother, and I fear that I might never see him again...
These might have been some of the soldiers' thoughts. The battle of Lone Pine is a truly moving story that shows us the pain and sadness of war and how it can affect us all. But the lives lost were not soon forgotten, and every year, all around Australia, we remind ourselves of the lives lost! Lest we forget!Chloe O wrote: This story is sad, with the classic Anzac Day message, lest we forget. The short powerful sentences harden the story and catch our attention. I thought the pine saplings used as symbols worked well. It is sad to think this is a true story. The illustrations were very striking, especially the two dawn scenes, one with the young pines them the lone old pine tree.
Jess K wrote: This book is very powerful. I loved the strong language and powerful illustrations that really painted the picture! I loved how one little pine seed could make a big difference in someone's life... Lest we forget!
Dear seniors,
ReplyDeleteI haven't read 'The Lone Pine'. It sounds like a truly remarkable story. I will have to look out for it.
On Anzac day it is important to remember the soldiers who sacrificed their life fighting for our country.
Thank you for sharing your insights.
From Miss Dickson
Hello Senior MY.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very moving story. It touched my heart. Everything that happened, represented something. The sentences were short but powerful. Like 'The loud bang of thunder'. My favourite part was when Jane(the mum) held the pine cone in her hand. What was your favourite part???
From sloughnan.
Those are very good reflections made by everyone. The story came at a very good time. It was a very strong and powerful story. Keep the great work up everyone.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the two authors who wrote this book and I wanted to thank you all for your great responses. It's wonderful to know that you found the story moving and powerful, because that's exactly how we felt as we were writing it. Like you, we think Sebastian's illustrations are just beautiful. We were very lucky to work with him.
As well as being a writer, I'm also a teacher and a teacher-librarian, so I'm going to share Lone Pine with my classes tomorrow. I hope they get as much out of it as you all have!
Thanks again,
Susie Brown
Hi Susie,
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I love to find inspiring literature both to touch my students and to teach my students about writing.Thanks for creating such a book and for visiting our blog. I'm wondering what age level you teach and I hope we can collaborate in the future.Off today for Anzac Day of course but, I know there'll be excitement tomorrow when I show the students your response!
Marg Yore
What wonderful reflections on the Lone Pine story. I haven't read it but your responses make me want too - so l'm off to the library! L love your use of language too... strong words and strong images of another aspect of teh ANZAC story. What a wonderful connection to make with Susie Brown - you never know where your responses and thoughts will end and who they will touch along the way. I look forward to a year of deep reflection and comment from you all!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that you have evoked a response from the actual author! You just never know who is going to read your work!! Harry, I especially loved your reflection of what the soldiers may have been thinking at the time. I haven't read this book, but will also find it to have a look. ANZAC day brings back many emotions for many people. Keep up the great work. Mrs Bellesini :)
ReplyDeleteThese are really insightful reflections, Seniors. I'm curious to know what more of you think about the Lone Pine story.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
Ms Scott
Hi Kids,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your beautifully written responses to the book 'Lone Pine'. I haven't read the book but will make sure it is purchased for our Library and I will be the first borrower as it sounds like a very powerful story. I would also love to introduce it to the senior students that I teach.
Our children read the story 'In Flanders Fields' about a young soldier who risked his life to rescue a bird.
Thank you for sharing your reflections.
Mrs N
http://clairvauxslc.edublogs.org/
Hi Kids,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your beautifully written responses to the book 'Lone Pine'. I haven't read the book but will make sure it is purchased for our Library and I will be the first borrower as it sounds like a very powerful story. I would also love to introduce it to the senior students that I teach.
Our children read the story 'In Flanders Fields' about a young soldier who risked his life to rescue a bird.
Thank you for sharing your reflections.
Mrs N
http://clairvauxslc.edublogs.org/
Wow! Those review where amazing. I really enjoyed all of them so much but if I had to choose my favourite it would be harry I liked it because it set the scene of the sadness and of the battle.
ReplyDeleteIt was a interesting story.
ReplyDeleteIt had sadness, happyness, and some very powerful story telling words.
I really enjoyed the book.
Hi. I'm Margaret Warner, the co-author of Lone Pine with Susie Brown.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insightful comments on this moving story and Sebastian's beautiful illustrations.
Lone Pine is definitely a book with carefully chosen words and strong images.
It is really inspiring to read the comments that show how much students have appreciated Lone Pine.
As well as being a writer I was also a teacher and am a wildlife carer.
Thanks again for your comments.
Margaret Warner