Postcards from a War

by Vanita Oelschlager, Mike Blanc (Illustrator), Wilfred Bauknight (Contributor)

Postcards from a War is about a boy whose mother has recently been deployed overseas to a war. His grandfather, who was about the same age when his father left to serve in World War II, helps him understand why she has gone away. He shares with his grandson postcards and letters sent by his father from the Philippines. The grandfather and grandson collaborate on building a scrapbook that will include these, plus the letters and emails and other communications the boy will get from his mother. Postcards is intended for 4-8 year olds, ones who are old enough to understand that a parent in the military may have to go to a dangerous place, but maybe not why. It shows the important intergenerational bonding that families often experience during times of war.

The postcards and letters in the book were received by the author from her father during World War II.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Historical Fiction, War, World War II, Ebooks, Military Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Vanita Oelschlager is a wife, mother,grandmother, former teacher, current caregiver and, for almost ten years, author and poet.

She was born and raised near Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she currently serves as a Trustee.

She has also supported and helped Jim as he built Oak Associates, ltd. into a successful investment management firm.

Today, as an accomplished author, Vanita shares openly the experiences that she, Jim and their families have had with multiple sclerosis. She has likened MS to living with an elephant, one that won't go away or be ignored. Together, she and Jim have found ways to live with this "elephant", and to share some of the larger lessons about life they've learned through the disease.

Reviews

[Shai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a great way to introduce young readers to what is war, and the people who sacrifice their safety just to fight and protect like our soldiers do. This is a light read; both young and adult readers will like how well-written the story of this book and how awesome Mike Blanc did for the illustrations.

[Darlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Matthew's mother goes off to war, his grandfather share postcards with him that he and his father exchanged when his father was away in World War II.

The illustrations in this picture book are beautiful. I loved the monochromatic color choice. I wish it would have followed through the whole book in this same color scheme. The more colorful illustrations were not of the same caliber as the brown/black ones.

I'm confused about this book. It isn't quite what I expected. It's a short picture book with quite a bit that is grammatically written for a 3-4-year-old audience, but with language and subject matter more suited for an 8-10-year-old audience.

Given the mismatch of language and subject matter with the writing style, I don't have an audience I would recommend this book to.

Thank you NetGalley and Vanita Books for this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not certain what I expected from Vanita Oelschlager’s Postcards From a War, something amateurish and maudlin, I think. What I got was a strikingly illustrated book that used the letters and postcards sent by a soldier to the Homefront during World War II to speak to today’s children whose parents have been deployed to far-off shores.

In this slender book, Matthew’s mother has been deployed into a warzone. To soothe Matthew, his grandfather shows off the letters and postcards that his own father — Matthew’s great-grandfather, Army Major Wilfred Bauknight, who shipped off to serve in the Pacific Theater — sent to him when he was just 6 years old. That 6-year-old boy, Brian Bauknight, was the big brother of author Vanita Oelschlager, and the postcards and letters — many of them with charming doodles and pictures — were actually written by her father when he was shipped to the Philippines.

Although written for children, adult readers will appreciate the beautiful sepia-toned illustrations and the honest portrayal of children’s fears of war, the possibility of death and dismemberment, their loneliness, and the dread of the unknown. Postcards From a War is a must-have for the children of service members.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and VanitaBooks, LLC, in exchange for an honest review.

[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Note: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publisher and author.)

This is such a nice meaningful short story, fulfilling the motive of making it easier for children to understand why parents working in military has to go on war. How simple letters from parents on war make it lot easier for their family to the separation until they return home.

The story very nicely describes innocent questions of child regarding war and his fears and anxiety of separation from his mother. How we adult also can’t explain why war happens and why we have to hurt people to maintain peace in the world. I liked the concept of the story. It was really different read with a strong message. Idea of character combining postcards and emails, two contrast technologies, into a book was so good that I loved the story even more.

“It will be our “Love, Daddy” and “Love, Mom” book.”

Illustrations in sepia toned made it absolutely beautiful and postcards were lovely. I wish the book had more of letters and postcards. I loved reading about author, illustrators and Fisher House Foundation at the end.

This book can serve as a medium to open a discussion for children whose parents are serving in military and make it easy for both children and parents.

I recommend it to all children.

You can read my reviews On my blog here

[donna backshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Postcards from a War is a brilliant book, one which allows a boy whose mother is serving overseas to dip into his family history from World War II. What makes it so appealing is its ability to be relatable with an 80-90 year gap in time. No one understands war and no one wants it, so offering a tangible explanation for what happens with those deployed, and accepting how uncomfortable it can be for those waiting at home is helpful in a way that no book I've seen yet has tried.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about how hard separation can be due to a war. It's hard enough explaining war to a child, but separation is even harder. A book like this is truly welcomed to explain these hard topics. I am truly impressed, as usual, by the amazing books authors write and how helpful they can be for their target audience.

This book has a great personality about it - the postcards and old times pictures at the start really set the mood. It brought me back in time and made me feel like I was there with the author. I really liked how cool and unique the book was and how it presented it's difficult topic of war.

This book seems like it would be good for younger readers (about grade three) and middle schoolers. It's also just a beautiful book in general. It's a great picture book with a great story and theme behind it. Books like these are important to share! If only my history classes taught using tools like these, I might have enjoyed history more back in my childhood.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and VanitaBooks for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A grandfather whose own father served in WW2 tries to help his grandson cope with his Air Force mother's recent deployment. At first glance, I felt the dialogue was a little simplistic, but as the story progressed, I felt that the message was incredibly touching.







Goodreads review published 08/03/17

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the concept of this book was brilliant.
It tries to make sense of the separations within families when a parent goes off to war.
Through linking it to an earlier generation where a young family received postcards from their Daddy during World War II, we are given the story of a Grandpa sharing his memories and letters.
The grandchild is coming to terms with his Mum being away on active service. Through a shared experience they are able to speak of war, hopes and fears and a desire this generation may find less destructive means to keep peace between Nations.
Aimed at younger children caught up in absent parents away at war themselves it brings issues to the fore. It also brings home the closer and more immediate forms of modern communication for staying in touch.
Beautifully illustrated with simple words it embraces the issues of loneliness, separation and fear they might not come home.
A book that works within the relationship shown and perhaps demonstrates the value of grandparents.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully illustrated picture book about a boy who is scared and sad because his mother has been deployed, who talks to his grandpa about his feelings. His grandfather tells him of how he felt when his own dad was deployed during WWII and shows him postcards that his father sent. What's especially touching about the book is that the book shows actual postcards that were sent home by the author's father, which are sweet, silly and loving. The boy and grandfather have good discussions about why there are wars, whether there can someday be no more wars, how to get through the time waiting for his mother and so on. The illustrations are very well done and the book does an excellent job of talking about war without glamorizing it. I also appreciated that the author has grandpa talk about how his father said he was now the man of the house and not to cry but that nowadays we know that it's better not to try to bottle up our feelings.

All profits from the book go towards a charity that provides for military families in times of need.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

POSTCARDS FROM A WAR
Written by Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrated by Mike Blanc
2009; 40 Pages
VanitaBooks
Genre: war, picture book, history

(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.)

★★★★

Based on a true story - Colonel Wilfred Bauknight

Matthew Jackson misses his mother, who is in the Air Force, and must travel to another country because there is a war going on. His grandfather senses Matthew's sadness and tells him a story about his own father. Grandpa's father had to go fight in WWII leaving behind his three kids and his wife. As he tells Matthew about his experiences he also shows the letters they had exchanged. This sparks Matthew into staying more connected with his mother.

What gorgeous pictures! And, the story is so heartwarming and prevalent to present day. Many children have parents in the military and seeing all that is going on in the world it can be scary. I liked that this book as it opens up conversation with children with ease.

[muthuvel · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if we already know a way to stop this hatred due cultural chauvinism and arbitrary border Patriotism?

Persons from town different eras but influenced by the same experiences. Grandfather who's father went to World war II and his Grandson's Mother who went to some unnamed anonymous war. Illustrations are so good and provides a richer vulnerable experience. It reminds me of the anxiety of separation from parents in military families. A Good book for children from Military Families to cope with.

"All Great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: MERCY, EMPATHY, LOVE, LIFE, EVERYTHING"

I'm thankful to Netgalley and VanitaBooks for the opportunity.

January 14, 2017

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our current everyday life, war has become the "normal." We have been at war for years with no end in sight. Every day thousands of troops are being shuffled around the globe in the hope of preventing aggressive escalation. 

Having our troops out and about defending us from those who seek to do harm means that families are torn apart. Women lose their husbands. Men lose their wives. Most importantly, children lose a parent. 

Children don't understand the concept and reasoning for war. What children understand is that they no longer have the same house and family that they did before. Children suffer without being able to talk to that missing parent. That parent suffers at being ripped away from their home and loved ones, and there is great stress and worry on both ends. 

Postcards From A War by Vanita Oelschlager is a heart-warming tale of a young boy whose mother has been deployed overseas, causing him worry, sadness and heartbreak without complete understanding as to why his mother has been sent into a dangerous place away from home. 

His grandfather sees his grandson's fear and decides to show him postcards that he himself received from his father during WWII. Such a touching tribute. 

Illustrator Mike Blanc does a fantastic job of creating a beautiful and heart-warming tone to complement the delicate issues tackled within. 

This 4 out of 5 stars book for me was the second children's book I have had the pleasure to review for this author. Her grasp of children's fears and worries is phenomenal. I highly recommend reading ANY children's book that she pens. 

I received and ARC for and honest and unbiased review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the talented author Vanita Oelschlager for the opportunity to read and review this poignant children's book.

You can find my animated review on my blog here: https://oceanviewsandbookreviews.com/...

[The Bibliophile Doctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Like Natalie Cole sang a song with her father, Nat King Cole, years after his death, Vanita has written this book with her father's help 30 years after his death." These lines from the bio catched my attention and I'm glad I made a decision to pick up this book. Slightly heavy and gloomy but then again a book dealing with subject like war is sure to make us feel the weight of it.

Even then Vanita Oelschlager does it and so subtly that I'm amazed again. This book is for children who are needed to learn the hard truth about war and its ugliness. This book will help them in finding the light at the seemingly dead end tunnel. Done beautifully and in brownish hues, it has nostalgic feel of the olden war days, something that I haven't experienced personally but can imagine how it must have been for people who went through it. This book gives a ray of hope in a world full of hatred and cruelty.

Thank you Netgalley and Vanitabooks for the wonderful ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good:

It discusses parents in the military. This can be a touchy subject to read as many military focus can be iffy when discussing.


The generic "parent at war" they don't write a specific war that his mother went to help with. This is good as it can relate to kids years from now with parents in a new war. Basically, allows kids to insert their experience with the military and wartime.


Discussion of emotions and showing them. The grandfather talks about how when he was a kid it wasn't acceptable to show emotions. They discuss crying and feeling upset about parents going off to war.


Easy to read fonts and ease in reading along with the story.



I love that the grandfather and grandson are bonding and able to talk about this together. They create their own memory book combining grandfather's letters from his father and grandson's mothers letters. Very sweet.


I love the balance of wanting peace and explanation in regards to war and what happens during it. The ending sentences show the grandfather is hopeful for a better time when there isn't need for war.


"Matthew," he said," if anyone can make that happen, it will be you and your friends. And you can always count on me to help you."

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids! When parent's leave for deployments it can be really hard to understand, especially when you are not talking to them every day like you are accustomed to.

The postcards that his grandfather shares with him are treasured memories, Before email and cell phones, postcards and letters would be sent back and forth, often taking a very long time to arrive. This was how communication could continue while away during a war.

We read this out loud together and my boys enjoyed the book immensely. They thought it was interesting to learn about the different ways people would keep in touch, especially as they have been through multiple deployments in our home.

Highly recommend this book!

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children's book about kids with military parents who are sent off to war. The boy's mother has been shipped off and he talks to his grandpa about it. His grandpa tells him of when his own dad was serving in World War II. He then shows him letters and postcards that he sent home to his family during that time and how that had helped them to cope.

This is a very touching read and had wonderful illustrations.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It is a story of a boy who's mother is in the military. He has an afternoon with his grandfather and they talk about how his great=grandfather was also in the military. They talk about the concerns associated with it. Grandfather shares the postcards that he and his sisters received. Beautifully written and the illustrations that are awesome! Reviewed through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Terezia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book children and teachers, as well, can find quick and short answers at some questions:
-about feelings that someone can have when dear ones fight in a war;
- about the reasons wars start;
- about how to wait your dear one home;
It is a useful resource in the class.

I would like to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this useful book.

[Rather.be.reading1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute little book. Would not recommend. The illustrations were good, but this book was lacking something. I think it needed historical pictures or vintage pictures to go along with the text.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not long ago, my sister send me an old family album for safekeeping (she lives in a place that is prone to tornadoes.) Looking through it, I came across a bunch of postcards that had been sent to us when we were kids. Most were from my dad, who travelled a lot. Two were from my mom when she was in hospital having my brother. There were a few from my older sister when she was away, but lots from my grandmother who lived in California and to whom I was very attached. And there were even a few from me, sent from camp or the few trips I took in school. My mother saved each one and looking at them, I remembered how much they meant to us when we received them. Those postcards represented a connection we had to each other that was still intact.

Remembering that sense of connection is what Vanita Oelschlager explores in her picture book Postcards from a War. Published in 2009, when the United States was still a war on two fronts, Iraq and Afghanistan, it is the story of Matthew Brian Jackson, 6, whose mother is in the Air Force and has been deployed overseas to an un-named country where there is an on-going war. Matthew's father works downtown and so, after school, he stays with his grandfather.

When he tells his grandfather that he is sad about his mom being away and afraid she might not come home, he told Matthew about when his own father went to war during World War II. Taking Matthew up to the attic, he began to show him the postcards and letters sent home to him and his two sisters, to let them know all was well with him and to make the waiting for his return home easier. As a result, over the course of the war, the family felt connected with their dad, no matter where he was.

This is a simply told story with a lot of impact, perfect for today's children whose mom or dad has also been deployed. Because it is the grandfather telling his grandson about his own experience, the story is rich in detail about what life was like growing up during the war. But also it address the one thing both wars have in common - the impact war can have on a home front child, exploring the fears they most likely have and suggesting ways to deal with it. That is what makes this such a good from for kids.

Vanita Oelschlager has written lots of children's books, but Postcards from a War is somewhat autobiographical, reflecting her understanding what is feels like to have a parent in the military put in danger when they are deployed. The postcards and letters were sent to her family during World War II.

The illustrations in Postcards from a War were done by Mike Blanc using digital painting software. The World War II illustrations are done in a sepia tone giving them a aged look while the full color illustrations are done in color to represent the present.

This book is recommended for readers age 6-9
The book was received as an E-ARC from netgalley.com

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian and his Grandpa have a very close relationship and Brian feels free to discuss his feelings with him about his mom, who is in the airforce, and who has been called to fight in a war far away. He tells his Grandpa that he feels sad, scared and concerned all the time because he does not want anything bad to happen to her and he wants her to come back home safely.

Grandpa tenderly explains how he felt exactly the same way when his dad went off to war when he was six years old more than 60 years ago. He too felt scared and cried often because he was so worried for the safety of his dad, just how Brian was feeling about his mom now.

Grandpa leads Brian upstairs into the attic. He opens up an old dusty trunk and pulls out a stack of letters tied up with a string. He asks Brian to sit down and join him and together they to through the correspondence he is holding.

Grandpa's dad had kept in touch with the family by writing letters, drawing pictures and letting them know what he was doing, that he was safe and that he would be home soon. Grandpa then showed Brian his favourite postcard. It was a picture of his dad jumping with delight because he had received his orders to go HOME.

Grandpa lovingly talks to Brian about why wars occur, why people (like his mom ) want to go and fight in a war, and what might happen to people if she decided not to help. Brian, encouraged by Grandpa's words, decides he will start checking his mailbox just in case his mom sends him a letter. He tell Grandpa that he will ask his mom to call him on her cell phone and he will keep every one of the notes, emails and pictures that his mom sends to him on the computer. Grandpa very graciously tells him that no matter how his mom sends things to him they can put it all together and make a special book then both he and Brian will have a place to home all those special memories.

"It will be our "Love Daddy" and "Love Mom" book."

What a fabulous book to remind us all that as parents and guardians it is so important to take time to explain, comfort and help families stay connected and tell their stories.

The author "leaves us with a renewed pride in military service and the hope that perhaps our children may be the last generation to say goodbye to a parent called away to serve his or her country in a time of war."
-David Rozelle

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always difficult for children when a parent goes away to war. Children are often scared and confused; they don’t understand the reasons for the war, but they often have a keen appreciation of the fact that their mother or father may not return. It can be difficult to assuage those fears while maintaining a realistic view of the situation.

Children’s author Vanita Oelschlager has drawn from her own experiences in World War II when her father went away to war and she has penned a book for boys and girls whose parents are serving in the armed forces. Postcards from a War is narrated by a young boy, Matthew Brian Jackson, whose mother is in the Air Force. Matthew spends time with his grandfather after school and expresses his fears and confusion about this war that his mother has gone away to.

Grandfather Brian tells Matthew all about his own time in World War II when his father went away to war, and he shows him all of the letters and postcards that his father sent home.

Postcards from a War is beautifully written. By telling the story of World War II through the grandfather’s eyes, young readers will be able to draw their own parallels to their experiences today. So, for example, when the grandfather talks about discovering some of the horrors of the war through newsreels, young readers might relate to that without necessarily being exposed to such disturbing images themselves.


What makes this book especially notable is that original photos, letters and sketches from the author’s own father, Colonel Wilfred Bauknight, are included. This provides a wonderfully authentic feel to the story that the grandfather is telling his grandson (and in fact, the character of the grandfather is based on Vanita’s own brother Brian).

In addition to these original documents, illustrator Mike Blanc has illustrated the book using sepia for the grandfather’s World War II recollections and full colour to depict the present day scenes with Matthew and his grandfather.


Postcards from a War is a short book aimed at readers aged 6 to 10 but one that will no doubt find a place beneath the pillow of many a young child waiting for a parent to return from active service.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew's mom is in the Air Force and has been deployed to another country. He stays with his grandfather during the day. He has a strong bond with his grandfather and is able to confide his sadness and fears about his mother's deployment. Grandpa's father also went away to war, during World War II. To comfort Matthew, Grandpa shares his childhood story and the postcards his own father sent his family during deployment.

This was a really sweet book. I loved the bond between Matthew and his grandfather and I liked how Grandpa was able to share a piece of his past to help Matthew work through some tough issues. Grandpa lets Matthew know that it is okay to share his feelings, even the more negative ones. It also incorporates the modern ways in which we are able to communicate with each other via long distances.

The illustrations were lovingly rendered. My favorites were the illustrations of Grandpa's flashbacks. They are sepia-toned and there's a soft, dreamy quality to them. What makes this book extra special is that the postcards included were drawn by the author's father during World War II. This line in the author's bio was so beautiful: "Like Natalie Cole sang a song with her father, Nat King Cole, years after his death, Vanita has written this book with her father's help 30 years after his death." The postcards are very detailed and sweet. Such a wonderful keepsake to have.

Postcards from a War is intended for "4-8 year olds, ones who are old enough to understand that a parent in the military may have to go to a dangerous place, but maybe not why." The war and the country Matthew's mom is in are not specified, so it has a timeless quality. It's a very touching story that I think will be most useful for children of service members.

All net profits from this book will benefit Fisher House Foundation, which Provides free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.

________________________________
I received this book for free from VanitaBooks & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Noorilhuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccably produced and illustrated. More books of this sort need to come out that humanize a soldier's life on tour of duty and the tough living and emotional conditions for the family back home - not just of U.S. but the world over. A huge viral compilation of this sort will further the cause of understanding the nature of duty, but also, peace and futility of war. Since this is the first book of its sort that I've read, it felt beautiful. The artwork / pictorials by artist Mark Blanc fit in so well with the drawings of Col. Wilfred Bauknight to his children, and it all merged in seamlessly with the story. This is definitely a collector's item.

On the downside, the fact that Philippines was already under a thirty year occupation by U.S. when WW2 broke out and U.S. soldiers needed to be sent to 'defend' what wasn't America's to begin with (it was a battle for key routes and egos between Japan and U.S.), is something that needs to be discussed by the military men and women and their families too. The world powers have always used weaker despotic ruler states as their guinea pig experimentation farms, leading to more poverty, immigration and resentment in those countries. Why should American families have to pay the price for "what this country stands for." I see the same blind spots in Pakistani armed forces' families too. They just don't want to accept that they are being made to fight useless wars for arrogant, nefarious purposes, leaving behind trails of broken limbs, usurpation of civilian lands and budgets, and a lifetime of misguided, self-serving righteousness.

[DubaiReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations.

This is a beautifully authentic book. It contains genuine postcards sent by the author's father duing WWII while he was serving in the Philippines. Many of these postcards were illustrated and these illustrations now adorn this beautiful book. Mike Blanc has digitally enhanced these images, sepia for the Grandfather's recollections and coloured for the present. There are also photographs and some of the original line drawings.

Matthew, the young boy in the book, is confused as to where his mother has gone. She is in the Air Force and has been called to active duty. Matthew spends his afternoons with his Grandfather until his Dad can collect him from work.
Mathew's Grandfather helps him to deal with his feelings of loss, loneliness and sadness. He shares the letters and postcards that he himself had received from his father during WWII.
Together they make a scrap book incorporating the memorabilia that the Grandfather has kept and the e mails and pictures sent by Matthew's mother.

The book explaines a few of the reasons for war and suggests that the youngsters of today should strive towards peace and alternative resolution of international disputes.
Targetted at 4 to 8 year olds, this is a book to share as it will need some aditional support from a caring adult.
An invaluable resource for children from military familes and their friends.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to The Fisher House Foundation, providing help for military families.

[Writers N Authors Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we all know War is a hard subject for young and old. When my husband deployed I tried to find books that would help my kids relate to what exactly was happening and for the best way to talk about war. The grandfather's story about when he was a child, and how his father went to war. His great great grandfather wrote letters home to his family, the letters inspired not only his son, but his daughter and now his great great grandson, these visuals I think really made the book. To see the actual postcards the author received from her father during WWII, as well as the old family pictures from that time. The personal touch was beautiful, and added authenticity to the story. All the illustration are breath taking.

When I was reading the story the moment that really grabbed me was when Grandpa leads Brian upstairs into the attic. He opens up an old dusty trunk and pulls out a stack of letters tied up with a string. Then Grandpa then showed Brian his favorite postcard.

This books was more then just a picture book it told a story and the WHY for the author for reasons of war, and why military families sacrifice so much to gain freedom.

I would recommend this story to help inspire children to write our deployed military personal to create a since of gratitude. This book was really fabulous, it is so important to take time to explain, comfort and help families stay connected and tell their stories. Read more https://writersnauthors.com/postcards...

[Darnia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I have no idea if I had a parent who sent to war away from me. It probably so sad but proud in the same time. Sad because our mom/dad away from us and there are a possibility for not back home, but he/she fought for our beloved country. Some conversations between Matthew and Grandpa brought me to the same thought about war.

Why is there war?
Why did Mom want to go to fight in the war?

And Grandpa said
She believes in protecting this country and what it stands for it.

And Matthew also asked
But, isn't war hurting other people?

And once again, Grandpa answered
We adult admit that we do not have all the answers.I hope that you and your friends can find the answer that we could not find

Maybe this is a children book with a beautiful illustration. But the messages were so strong. The adult just hope that there would be no war amymore in the future and those are the young's job to make it true....

[KD Grainger-Peixoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

War (and serving in the military) can be a polarizing topic. Especially, when you consider how these subjects are viewed through the eyes of children who are more likely to question patriotism and pro-military propaganda. That being said, I think it is important that society respect those who go into service to protect others. Postcards from a War is an excellent resource for young readers to (begin to) understand what it means for family member to be in service; and to ask questions about the nature of war.

What I found very unique about this historic fiction novel, is that it contains genuine correspondence between parents in military service and their children. I also appreciate that this short novel portrays a mother and father in service; and also how correspondence have changed from postcards and letters to emails with images attached.

In summary, this is a great introduction to some heavy topics for young readers. It isn't graphic, or upsetting; in fact the overall tone is hopeful.

* ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you talk to children and make them feel comfortable about parents that leave for military service? Vanita Oelschlager created one solution when she, along with illustrator Mike Blanc brought Postcards from a War to life.

It might be considered a children's picture book, using many pictures the author's father had drawn and sent to her and her siblings during his tour of duty. Oelschager used this as the jumping point for the creation of her story.

This a yet another well done book by an author that is creating a name for herself as a leader in writing books to help explain difficult subjects to children. On top of that, Oelschlager donates most, if not all of her books' profits to charities.

This books is good for ALL children, not just those with parents in the military. It also shows a wonderful relationship of a child and grandparent. Positive from being to end.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book for 4-10 year olds. Sadly, we live in a world where we need to explain to children why their parents went to war and might not come back. That's never an easy thing to do, but I think this book can help a lot.

Matthew Brian Jackson is just a little kid whose mom works at the Air Force. She's gone to war and he's feeling really sad. He doesn't know why she had to leave.

While taking care of him, the grandfather shows him all the postcards he got from his dad during World War II, when he was also a little boy. It was the only way of communication between them at the time. Matthew suddenly feels better for being able to get calls and e-mails. He understands that she's fighting for a better world, a place where everyone can leave in peace and doing the right things.

I expected to see more real postcards. At least, the cover gives us that idea. But anyway, the illustrations are beautiful and very children appropriate.