The Center has a complete collection of children’s books by Flemish authors, illustrators, and translators published after 1976. In addition, the Center has a fine collection of specialized literature in the field of children’s books and reading promotion, ranging from reference works and monographs, periodicals, congress reports, exhibition catalogues, and cuttings collections.

Originally published as Kiplings Keuze in Dutch by Averbode Belgium, in 2002. Translated by Terese Edelstein.

As a young man, Rudyard Kipling was devastated when his military application was rejected because of poor eyesight. Although Rudyard would go on to win England’s highest accolades, he never got over this lost opportunity to serve his country.

When World War I broke out, John, like his father before him, wanted to fight for his country. When his military application was threatened for the same reason as his father’s—poor eyesight—Rudyard took matters into his own hands. Determined not to let history repeat itself, the elder Kipling applied all his influence to get his son a commission.

The teenager who had lived his life in comfort and whose greatest concern had been pleasing his father now faced a much greater challenge—staying alive in his first battle.

Geert Spillebeen’s moving fictionalized account follows the true story of John Kipling, a young man whose desire to live up to the family name threatens his very survival. It also draws attention to the senseless suffering and loss of life in this and every war.