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Cozy Classics
Cozy Classics: War and Peace
Give a kid a classic! Cozy Classics is the popular board book series that presents well-loved stories to children aged 0+ through twelve child-friendly words and twelve needle-felted illustrations. War and Peace is Leo Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece about love and friendship in aristocratic Russia during the country’s struggle against Napoleon, and is often considered the greatest novel of all time. Now you can share this classic with children of any age.
24 pages, Board Book
First published May 30, 2013
About the author
Jack Wang
19 books45 followersWE TWO ALONE: STORIES
* Winner of the Danuta Gleed Literary Award from the Writers' Union of Canada for best debut collection in English
* Shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize
* CBC Books Best Canadian Fiction of 2020
* Quill and Quire 2020 Books of the Year
* 49th Shelf 2020 Fiction: Books of the Year
JACK WANG ’s fiction has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and longlisted for the Journey Prize. In 2014–15, he held the David T. K. Wong Creative Writing Fellowship at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, and in 2020, he was awarded a residency at Historic Joy Kogawa House in Vancouver. He holds a BSc from the University of Toronto, an MFA from the University of Arizona, and a PhD from Florida State University, and he is an associate professor in the Department of Writing at Ithaca College. Originally from Vancouver, he lives in Ithaca, New York, with his wife, novelist Angelina Mirabella, and their two daughters.
* Winner of the Danuta Gleed Literary Award from the Writers' Union of Canada for best debut collection in English
* Shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize
* CBC Books Best Canadian Fiction of 2020
* Quill and Quire 2020 Books of the Year
* 49th Shelf 2020 Fiction: Books of the Year
JACK WANG ’s fiction has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and longlisted for the Journey Prize. In 2014–15, he held the David T. K. Wong Creative Writing Fellowship at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, and in 2020, he was awarded a residency at Historic Joy Kogawa House in Vancouver. He holds a BSc from the University of Toronto, an MFA from the University of Arizona, and a PhD from Florida State University, and he is an associate professor in the Department of Writing at Ithaca College. Originally from Vancouver, he lives in Ithaca, New York, with his wife, novelist Angelina Mirabella, and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 26, 2025
I feel educated :)
July 23, 2018
I'm intrigued. Why did she end up with the other guy?
October 21, 2013
Got a baby or toddler around? Want to introduce them to some classic literature? Take a peek at this very clever version of War and Peace. It's specially abridged for the young set, and can be read in under 2 minutes.
The illustrations are of lovely felt people and they are very colorful and interesting to look at. As an added bonus, your young one will learn all about emotions.
These are cute board books, a little pricey, but they do make a nice baby gift.
The illustrations are of lovely felt people and they are very colorful and interesting to look at. As an added bonus, your young one will learn all about emotions.
These are cute board books, a little pricey, but they do make a nice baby gift.
September 4, 2013
Very cute. 1400 pages distilled to 24 for the youngest book lover. Beautiful felt modelled pictures. Great ways to share classics with your children.
July 16, 2014
Saved me a few 1,000 pages.
May 1, 2015
5 stars just for the Boom and Sleep pages.
July 3, 2019
Having never read the actual book, I had a difficult time following this story. Perhaps more than 12 words would have helped this one? But I can't complain, because I still got to see those adorable felt figures, and didn't have to waste my time reading the original book!
November 9, 2020
Excellent. Can't go wrong with this one.
December 5, 2022
I understand this would have been difficult to adapt to a kids book but was it also necessary.
July 17, 2025
Does not capture the full nuance of w&p but how could it.
Boom!
Boom!
September 18, 2025
A well made and beautifully illustrated take on a classic. Spoilers for the full version!
January 18, 2026
Interesting. I wonder what happened to the soldier.
Read
March 11, 2017This is cute, but I don't know how to review it. I will have to get all of these for the baby in our house!
May 20, 2013
El segundo librito de esta colección que veo tras "Les misérables" y este también es una monería... para que lo vamos a negar.
Aunque nunca he llegado a leer esta obra (sí lo reconozco no he leído este clásico), me he hecho una buena idea de lo que ocurre en la historia con este librito.
Me sigue pareciendo una gran idea que se pueda explicar una historia tan compleja a través de 12 sencillas palabras, que recogen perfectamente la esencia de esta historia, junto a sus 12 bellas ilustraciones, que para ser de fieltro recogen todo el espíritu de las palabras que representan, e incluso los personajes expresan bastantes emociones es sus rostros, con lo difícil que eso es de conseguir en estos materiales.
Sigue siendo un librito sencillo, cortito y tierno que crea en su conjunto un pequeño regalo para la vista. Creo que sus autores, Holman Wang y Jack Wang, han conseguido con este librito otra pequeña joya, pues si con los Miserables ya me parecía complicado, quiero pensar que esta historia tampoco es fácil de concentrar en tan pocas palabras e imágenes, por lo cual las seleccionadas son las que mejor reflejan la esencia de la historia.
Cada vez estoy más convencida de que los títulos de esta colección son realmente útiles para enseñar e introducir a los niños en el gran mundo de la lectura y, al mismo tiempo, en el mundo de los grandes clásicos universales.
Seguiré pendiente de "Cozy Classics" que más adelante sacaran Jane Eyre y Oliver Twist, que seguro que son igual de tiernos, y de los que ya hay algunas imágenes de preview en su web.
Aunque nunca he llegado a leer esta obra (sí lo reconozco no he leído este clásico), me he hecho una buena idea de lo que ocurre en la historia con este librito.
Me sigue pareciendo una gran idea que se pueda explicar una historia tan compleja a través de 12 sencillas palabras, que recogen perfectamente la esencia de esta historia, junto a sus 12 bellas ilustraciones, que para ser de fieltro recogen todo el espíritu de las palabras que representan, e incluso los personajes expresan bastantes emociones es sus rostros, con lo difícil que eso es de conseguir en estos materiales.
Sigue siendo un librito sencillo, cortito y tierno que crea en su conjunto un pequeño regalo para la vista. Creo que sus autores, Holman Wang y Jack Wang, han conseguido con este librito otra pequeña joya, pues si con los Miserables ya me parecía complicado, quiero pensar que esta historia tampoco es fácil de concentrar en tan pocas palabras e imágenes, por lo cual las seleccionadas son las que mejor reflejan la esencia de la historia.
Cada vez estoy más convencida de que los títulos de esta colección son realmente útiles para enseñar e introducir a los niños en el gran mundo de la lectura y, al mismo tiempo, en el mundo de los grandes clásicos universales.
Seguiré pendiente de "Cozy Classics" que más adelante sacaran Jane Eyre y Oliver Twist, que seguro que son igual de tiernos, y de los que ya hay algunas imágenes de preview en su web.
May 18, 2013
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
Like the others of this series that I have read, this is a relatively endearing and sweet rendition of the classic. However, while still an accessible read for children, I've beginning to think this one was too pared down. It does the same extreme lightening of the story as Cozy Classics: Les Miserables, but in this case it feels even more like it's been dumbed down. With the Les Misérables version at least the ending did feel like it got the spirit across, even if it was presented as much happier. In this, on the other hand, it felt more like it was changed for the sake of the younger audience. Understandable, in some respects, given how young the intended audience is, but still possibly a dangerous alteration.
Still, this book is great for parents who might want to introduce their children to their own beloved stories and get them interested in classic tales.
Once again the art is quite good. I did not feel it portrayed atmosphere as well as the Les Misérables book did, however, once again seeming much happier and brighter where it was not always suitable. It's well done, but the mood did not fit quite as well-- again, the other book proved to be more true to the original feel.
Like the others of this series that I have read, this is a relatively endearing and sweet rendition of the classic. However, while still an accessible read for children, I've beginning to think this one was too pared down. It does the same extreme lightening of the story as Cozy Classics: Les Miserables, but in this case it feels even more like it's been dumbed down. With the Les Misérables version at least the ending did feel like it got the spirit across, even if it was presented as much happier. In this, on the other hand, it felt more like it was changed for the sake of the younger audience. Understandable, in some respects, given how young the intended audience is, but still possibly a dangerous alteration.
Still, this book is great for parents who might want to introduce their children to their own beloved stories and get them interested in classic tales.
Once again the art is quite good. I did not feel it portrayed atmosphere as well as the Les Misérables book did, however, once again seeming much happier and brighter where it was not always suitable. It's well done, but the mood did not fit quite as well-- again, the other book proved to be more true to the original feel.
February 20, 2014
I’ve been a huge fan of the classics since a really young age. Leo Tolstoy’s tale of friendship, betrayal, and love captured my heart and secured a high position among my all-time favorites. I have wanted to re-read it for a while, however, finding the time to read one of history’s longest novels presents a challenge. Thanks to Jack and Holman Wang, I finally succeeded to relive the timeless tale of two friends who fall in love with the same woman.
Using charming needle-felted characters and 12 toddler-friendly words, the Wang brothers have put War and Peace in the hands of the next generation of classic fans. This adorable board book will grow with the reader, enhancing his/her vocabulary and story-telling skills while offering countless hours of pleasure. Now, more than ever, I want to return to the book that enchanted me all those years ago.
I strongly recommend the Cozy Classic series to young and old alike. Teachers of younger students will especially welcome this addition to their resource library. With the help of one’s imagination, this set of books presents endless possibilities. Prepare yourself to experience the classics in a whole new dimension.
Review copy provided by Turnaround. Thanks!
Using charming needle-felted characters and 12 toddler-friendly words, the Wang brothers have put War and Peace in the hands of the next generation of classic fans. This adorable board book will grow with the reader, enhancing his/her vocabulary and story-telling skills while offering countless hours of pleasure. Now, more than ever, I want to return to the book that enchanted me all those years ago.
I strongly recommend the Cozy Classic series to young and old alike. Teachers of younger students will especially welcome this addition to their resource library. With the help of one’s imagination, this set of books presents endless possibilities. Prepare yourself to experience the classics in a whole new dimension.
Review copy provided by Turnaround. Thanks!
May 27, 2013
Cozy Classics: War and Peace by Jack Wang & Holman Wang is a beautiful children's board book that tells a classic tale in a very simplified way.
I think it would be best if the parent is aware of the general story line of the actual classic novel. This way, if the child has any questions or just wants to know more, then the parent can answer them.
I have never read War and Peace but understood enough to still get the gist of the story from this board book.
The thing that drew me in the most was the BEAUTIFUL felt creations. The imagery is amazing. I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter. She is learning sight words and could participate in reading this book. I would definitely read more of this series with her.
I think it would be best if the parent is aware of the general story line of the actual classic novel. This way, if the child has any questions or just wants to know more, then the parent can answer them.
I have never read War and Peace but understood enough to still get the gist of the story from this board book.
The thing that drew me in the most was the BEAUTIFUL felt creations. The imagery is amazing. I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter. She is learning sight words and could participate in reading this book. I would definitely read more of this series with her.
May 13, 2013
3 STARS
I was expecting a little more of the story. I have never read War and Peace so I thought I could read a Cozy Classics first. This is more a picture book than a story. I love the pictures and this would be good for little little kids. This review alone has more words in it.
I was given this ebook for free and asked to give honest review of it.
Pub Date May 30 2013 Simply Read Books Smith Publicity 24 pages ISBN-10: 1927018226
Description below taken off of Netgalley
Give a kid a classic! Cozy Classics is the popular board book series that presents well-loved stories to children aged 0+ through twelve child-friendly words and twelve needle-felted illustrations. War and Peace is Leo Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece about love and friendship in aristocratic Russia during the country’s struggle against Napoleon, and is often considered the greatest novel of all time. Now you can share this classic with children of any age.
I was expecting a little more of the story. I have never read War and Peace so I thought I could read a Cozy Classics first. This is more a picture book than a story. I love the pictures and this would be good for little little kids. This review alone has more words in it.
I was given this ebook for free and asked to give honest review of it.
Pub Date May 30 2013 Simply Read Books Smith Publicity 24 pages ISBN-10: 1927018226
Description below taken off of Netgalley
Give a kid a classic! Cozy Classics is the popular board book series that presents well-loved stories to children aged 0+ through twelve child-friendly words and twelve needle-felted illustrations. War and Peace is Leo Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece about love and friendship in aristocratic Russia during the country’s struggle against Napoleon, and is often considered the greatest novel of all time. Now you can share this classic with children of any age.
August 22, 2016
Twelve needle-felted scenes and twelve important words from the Russian classic, War & Peace, introduce very young readers to the storyline. I love the idea of very young readers getting a taste of this important classic, and I'm guessing that it might leave them a little less intimidated to try reading the original later when they are much older. This is a genius idea, of course, and the felted figures somehow manage to express all sorts of emotions. While there's no way to boil down such a complicated book without losing much of its meaning, the creators have done a great job at trying to do so here. While literary lovers will prefer the original book in its entirety, this one is in some respects the equivalent of SparkNotes since it saves readers some time. I enjoyed it for what it was and its originality, and I expect that this series will be quite popular. After all, what parent doesn't want to give his/her child a leg up on the education scene?
April 23, 2013
When I first saw the cover and description of this book, I laughed. Initially I just loved the contradiction in the title and series, "War" and Peace and "Cozy" Classics. Then I thought the idea of a board book version was ridiculous. However, after reading it I found it quite clever. Who would've though that a classic work of literature iconic for it's length and heftiness could be reduced to a mere 13 pages and a dozen single words. A story can be gleaned from this brevity, whether or not you have read the original.I still question it's appeal to toddlers who are the typical audience for board books. One must also admire the work involved in creating, posing, and photographing the felted characters.
June 16, 2015
Once there were two men who both loved the same women. There was some war, there was some peace, and she ended up with one of them. But which one?!?
Confession: This vocabulary book for very young children is the most I've ever read of War and Peace . The amazing thing is that I actually managed to get a good amount of the story just by reading these select few words and seeing the felt characters acting it out. I like how this series is able to get across a lot of emotion and character from very simple scenes through a creative medium, and in this case it did make me more interested in reading the real thing! I like these. Cozy Classics indeed.
Confession: This vocabulary book for very young children is the most I've ever read of War and Peace . The amazing thing is that I actually managed to get a good amount of the story just by reading these select few words and seeing the felt characters acting it out. I like how this series is able to get across a lot of emotion and character from very simple scenes through a creative medium, and in this case it did make me more interested in reading the real thing! I like these. Cozy Classics indeed.
November 20, 2019
This book is really cool and filled with amazing pictures.
May 11, 2013
To tell the truth, I haven't read it.
I haven't read the original War and Peace but if I have gleamed the plot from this book there's a love triangle where one guy goes off to war, gets hurt and is no longer in the picture. The smart guy with glasses stays behind and ends up with the girl.
I wear glasses.
I really enjoyed this shorter version of War and Peace and recommend it to everyone.
I haven't read the original War and Peace but if I have gleamed the plot from this book there's a love triangle where one guy goes off to war, gets hurt and is no longer in the picture. The smart guy with glasses stays behind and ends up with the girl.
I wear glasses.
I really enjoyed this shorter version of War and Peace and recommend it to everyone.
November 20, 2016
Wang, Jack & Holman Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, BOARD BOOK, Chronicle Books, 2016. $9.95. Content: G.
This much abbreviated story of War and Peace is told in twelve words and acted out by felt dolls. It is so cute I can't even stand it! I want the whole set! (Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick and Great Expectations so far)
Pre-K - ESSENTIAL Lisa Librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
This much abbreviated story of War and Peace is told in twelve words and acted out by felt dolls. It is so cute I can't even stand it! I want the whole set! (Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick and Great Expectations so far)
Pre-K - ESSENTIAL Lisa Librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
May 20, 2013
2.5 stars. I have never read War and Peace, but I understood the concept that Cozy Classics is aiming for with these board books. However, I thought the book was rather too simplistic and left much to be desired for the storyline. I, myself, was confused about what was happening and flipped the pages trying to understand what the words were trying to convey.
January 15, 2014
This series is not the most eloquent introduction to literary classics for children. But the felt dolls, their expressions, and the authors one word of choice per page spread, are certainly humorous from an adult perspective.
Each one of these makes me laugh! And anything that makes me laugh, is worthwhile to me.
Each one of these makes me laugh! And anything that makes me laugh, is worthwhile to me.
April 20, 2013
I ve already reviewed Les Miserables, from this same series Cozy Classics here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...
These books are just amazing. I would buy them with no doubt.
These books are just amazing. I would buy them with no doubt.
February 26, 2014
A good test for parents' sense of humour :)
Liked this book for it's technique, for the precise choice of the words and for a will to experiment. Don't think it can damage the Russian classic in any way.
Liked this book for it's technique, for the precise choice of the words and for a will to experiment. Don't think it can damage the Russian classic in any way.
March 13, 2016
This much abbreviated story of War and Peace is told in twelve words and acted out by felt dolls. It is so cute I can't even stand it! I want the whole set! (Pride and Prejudice, Moby Dick and Great Expectations so far)
April 5, 2016
This is a wonderful book. The figures are beautifully done and the words really well chosen. Who would have thought you can summarise "War and Peace" in 12 words? I am sending it to my great-niece, but may weaken and buy a second copy for myself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews