Author(s): Michelle O'Connell

NZ Picture Books

In 1915, thousands of New Zealand soldiers marched from the southern Wairarapa across the Rimutaka Range to Wellington to board ships taking them to fight in World War One. A century later, writer and illustrator Michelle O'Connell joined a re-enactment of the march. Marching were relatives of the young men who had marched to war. Michelle's book is the story of her great-grandfather Albert and her young son, Michael. As with her previous book, 'Leaving for the Front', Michelle O'Connell has written and illustrated 'The Crossing' in a way that commemorates the soldiers while providing useful lessons for children on the sacrifice of their forebears. A 'Notes for the Teacher' section includes useful teaching points for primary aged children.