Real Guns

by David P. Reiter, Patrick J. Murphy (Illustrator)

While written for children, Reiter s story, which was illustrated by Irish artist Patrick Murphy, confronts the topical issues of gun control and the effects of war on returning soldiers and their families. Reiter was motivated by his memory of growing up in the US, where guns were, and still are, part of everyday life. One day he discovered his father s hidden gun. It didn t go off as I cradled it, but it was only good luck that it didn t, Reiter explained. Many others aren t so lucky. I had to write about that. Reiter s story focuses on the relationship between Jon, a young boy fascinated by guns, and his father, a returned soldier. Jon discovers a loaded pistol in his father s bedroom, and is lucky to narrowly avoid the most tragic of consequences. The incident prompts his father to explain to Jon about guns and helps the two build a stronger relationship.

36 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004