T'was the night before Christmas, when along the frontlines...
Santa makes a surprise visit to the American GIs in Europe - Christmas Eve, 1944.
"A thoughtful and fresh perspective of the popular poem 'The night before Christmas,' Mike Guardia's beautifully illustrated new children's book, 'World War II night before Christmas,' shares a heartfelt glimpse into the sacrifices Allied troops made during World War II, along with a joyful dose of Christmas spirit."--Back cover
" Mike Guardia's beautifully illustrated new children's book "World War II Night Before Christmas" shares a heartfelt glimpse into the sacrifices Allied troops made during World War II, along with a joyful dose of Christmas spirit. "
- Big Blend Radio and TV Magazine
"During a time of darkness and solitude for many soldiers, this timeless story amazes. Illustrated by Melanie Stephens...the book evokes calm and surety that Santa Claus will always find those who do Good in the world."- Military Network Radio
"Full colour images and a poem reminiscent of The Night Before Christmas. The lines bring out the dangers the soldiers faced, as well as their fears and dreams. And who should appear at the end? Santa, of course (you'll need to read of his gear)..carefully written in a way to educate without alarming children listening to the familiar lyrics of The Night Before Christmas.Santa comes and brings the soldiers exactly what they where in need of, just when they most needed it. That message is one that children need to hear...that hope always exists for those who wait for it."-A Net in Time Reviews
Mike Guardia is an internationally-recognized author and military historian. A veteran of the United States Army, he served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely-acclaimed HAL MOORE: A SOLDIER ONCE...AND ALWAYS, the first-ever biography chronicling the life of LTG Harold G. Moore, whose battlefield leadership was popularized by the film WE WERE SOLDIERS, starring Mel Gibson.
He has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award and was named Author of the Year in 2021 by the Military Writers Society of America.
As a speaker, he hosts the lecture series HAL MOORE: LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP, which is available for presentation at schools, businesses, and civic organizations worldwide.
In 2022, he appeared in Season 1 of the History Channel series, I WAS THERE, as a featured historian in the episodes on the Johnstown Flood of 1889; the Chernobyl Disaster; the Battle of Stalingrad; and the Oklahoma City Bombing. His other media appearances include guest spots on National Public Radio (NPR); Frontlines of Freedom; Armada International; and Military Network Radio.
Mike Guardia has given presentations at the US Special Operations Command; the International Spy Museum; and the George HW Bush Presidential Library. His work has been reviewed in the Washington Times, Military Review, Armchair General, Vietnam Magazine, DefenceWeb South Africa, and Soldier Magazine UK.
He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. He currently lives in Minnesota.
Website: www.mikeguardia.com