**Review** Postcards from a War by Vanita Oelschlager

Synopsis:

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.

Review:
When I first started to read this, I expected it to read as a comic without comedy. This is set during WW2 so it is a somber read but not depressing. The illustrations in this book are amazing and the story is completely relatable. This book specifically speaks to kids who's parents are serving off-shore. Yes, the demographic for this read is for children of soldiers but, adults will enjoy and appreciate this read as well. I thought it was smart and emotionally provoking to portray a child's worry, concern, and fear of the war as well as the possibility that their parent isn't returning an honest and brave thing to do. Kids need to know that what they are feeling is normal and okay and most importantly, that they are not alone. 

I recommend this book.

I received this book for review from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.