Children's Toys and Books from WWI

 

Last month, Captain Cavedweller and I traveled to Kansas City. One of the reasons we went was so I could do some research at the National World War I Museum there.

If you ever have the chance to visit the museum, I highly recommend it. We spent the better part of the day there and there were parts of it we didn't even get to!

One of the buildings was a display filled with children's toys and books, all encouraging the kiddies to be patriotic and support the war effort. There were even little military costumes to mimic what the soldiers were wearing.

Every boy needed his own set of soldiers to play with. 

Even Dolly Dingle paper dolls joined in the patriotic theme.

The Liberty Blocks were so colorful! I could easily imagine children spending many a happy hour playing with them. 

This book, Sailor Tommy by Florence Notter, was published in 1918.  It seems to be an action-packed story!

If you enjoy WWI history, I hope you'll take a look at Molly. 

Inspired by the Hello Girls, America’s first women soldiers who helped win World War I.

She longs to make a difference.
He yearns to claim her heart.

After years of managing the Pendleton telephone office, Molly Thorsen answers the call for women to serve as telephone operators during World War I. Upon her arrival in France, she navigates the challenges of working near the front lines and battles the prejudices and skepticism of the men around her. Determined to prove her worth and skill, Molly faces adversity head-on while unexpectedly falling in love with a charming soldier.

Friday Fitzpatrick may not have been eager to engage in combat, but when he is drafted into the American Expeditionary Forces, he embraces the role of a soldier with unwavering determination. While fighting to survive the harrowing battlefield experiences, he clings to his sanity by dreaming about the captivating Hello Girl who has captured his heart. Though his opportunities to see her are limited, she serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of his darkest days.

Through their shared experiences and the trials they endure, Molly and Friday find comfort and encouragement in each other's company, forging a connection that defies the chaos of a world in conflict. As the war draws to a close and they return home, will civilian life bring them together or pull them apart?

Find out in this sweet and wholesome historical romance filled with hope, faith, courage, and love.

Happy New Year!

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.

When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America and Women Writing the West.