Postcards from a War

Based on the author's family, this story opens in the present, as Matthew notes that his mother, who is in the air force, “had to go to another country because there's a war going on.” The boy's grandfather then talks with him about WWII, when his (and Oelschlager's) father, Bauknight, was a soldier stationed in the Philippines. He shows his grandson letters and postcards (which are reproduced throughout the book) that Bauknight sent home, many illustrated with rudimentary drawings of his life overseas and of his children at home. When Matthew's mother e-mails him notes and pictures, he and Grandpa decide to collect the missives from both soldiers in a book. A conversation about why wars occur concludes with Grandpa's pat statement, responding to Matthew's wish for an end to war: “If anyone can make that happen, it will be you and your friends. And you can always count on me to help you.” Blanc's painterly digital illustrations use sepia pictures to depict Grandpa's memories of the WWII era while full-color images represent present day. Heartfelt, but a bit heavy-handed and sentimental. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)