(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell. In this thought-provoking story, fictional boy Drasko experiences the restorative power of small acts of kindness and hope: real-life cellist Vedran Smailović honors the twenty-two victims of a 1992 Sarajevo mortar attack by playing at the attack site the following twenty-two days. Gray-toned art using ink, charcoal, pencil, and Photoshop finds beauty in a war-ravaged place. Notes, music, and an audio CD included.

Reviewer: Debora Pearson

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Henri Sørensen. Eloquent oil paintings illustrate the story of an unofficial World War I Christmas truce, narrated by a grandfather. The bleakness of the trenches is balanced by McCutcheon's emphasis on the indomitable spark of humanity. Based on the author's 1984 folk song, the book displays a gentle and moving example of how to create peace. An author's note, musical score, and CD are included.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo