Teacher Resources

Wear a Purple Poppy

A NOTE ABOUT HOW THE BOOK BEGAN: I first discovered the existence of the purple poppy while visiting the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. I was immediately struck by the importance of this symbol and wanted to find out more. Wear a Purple Poppy began as a poem and then, over time, the non-fiction element of the book expanded as I used primary and secondary sources to research how the different animals serviced in war and peacetime.

Lest we forget, our four-legged diggers served too . . . A heart-warming, beautifully illustrated tribute to the animals that served alongside our diggers in war and peacetime. Wear a Purple Poppy honours their courage and dedication and captures the spirit and importance of wearing a purple poppy on the National Day for War Animals, which is commemorated on 24 February each year.

On the National Day for War Animals, we wear a purple poppy to remember those animals who have served, and those who continue to serve, alongside our soldiers. This heartwarming tribute explores the different roles of animals in wartime, and honours their strength, courage and dedication.

From the horses and the mules to the elephants, cats and dogs, we wear a purple poppy for you.

Click on the image or here to download the FREE Teachers Resources for Wear a Purple Poppy.

Shrine of Remembrance War Horse Tribute Trough.

Shrine of Remembrance Gallipoli Tribute.

​