Imagine

Published in partnership with Amnesty International, this interpretation of Lennon’s soulful anthem follows a determined, eager-eyed pigeon—a personable and quirky take on the proverbial dove—around the world as it distributes olive branches and makes peace among its feathered friends. Jullien (Before & After) focuses on sharing and fairness in his brightly colored images, a smart choice given what’s important to the target audience. The lyrics “Nothing to kill or die for,/ and no religion too” and “No need for greed or hunger/ A brotherhood of man,” for example, find the pigeon persuading pairs of gulls and hummingbirds that they needn’t fight over a food source. In the final pages, the pigeon sprawls wearily on a branch, exhausted from its efforts, and is suddenly joined by all of the birds introduced in the previous pages—an avian twist on the idea that peace takes a village. For fans of Lennon’s song eager to introduce it to a new generation, Jullien’s panoply of boldly outlined, lovable birds offers an accessible entry point to ideas of peace, kindness, and justice. Ages 4–7. (Sept.)