WAR IS OVER! PICTURE BOOK OUT Nov 4th

WAR IS OVER!

A picture book adaptation of the Oscar-winning animated short film inspired by the song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono Out Nov 4th. Preorder Now.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s iconic anti-war anthem “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” inspired an Academy Award-winning animated short. Now the team behind the film has created an unforgettable picture book to carry on this timeless message of peace.

So this is Christmas.
Another year over.
A new war just begun.

Inspired by one of the most important songs of the twentieth century and the film that carried on its legacy, War Is Over! is a stirring reminder of the human connection that binds us all, even during the most divisive times.

PRESS RELEASE

PENGUIN YOUNG READERS TO PUBLISH PICTURE BOOK ADAPTATION OF THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING ANIMATED SHORT FILM INSPIRED BY JOHN LENNON AND YOKO ONO’S ICONIC SONG

WAR IS OVER! by Sean Ono Lennon, Dave Mullins, Brad Booker, and Max Narciso will publish on November 4, 2025

Sean Ono Lennon, Dave Mullins, Brad Booker, and Max Narciso, the team behind the Oscar-winning animated short film WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko, will publish a picture book adaptation of the film with Viking Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. Illustrated by Narciso, who was the character designer of the film, WAR IS OVER! is slated for release on November 4th, 2025 with an announced first printing of 100,000. Tamar Brazis, VP & Publisher, Viking Children’s Books & Philomel, acquired the book with Janine Kamouh and Erin Malone at WME representing the creators.

In WAR IS OVER! Julia, a carrier pigeon, delivers messages to the battlefield. But she also has a secret mission. Even though the Red Jackets and the Great Coats are at war, Julia helps the soldiers on both sides play a special game to bring each other some joy during the holiday season. The story is a stirring reminder of the human connection that binds us all, even during the most divisive times.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s iconic 1971 anti-war anthem “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is one of the most important songs of the twentieth century. Its origins began in 1969 with John and Yoko’s WAR IS OVER! (If You Want It) multimedia campaign for peace, consisting of billboards, postcards, posters, newspaper ads, and press conferences around the globe. First, this song served as the source material for the Oscar-winning animated short film War is Over!, and now, this dazzling book for children carries on its legacy.

Of the children’s book adaptation, Sean Ono Lennon said, “The tale of our pigeon felt like it needed to be put into an illustrated book. Our wish is that parents will be able to share this story with their kids. War is a difficult subject, and we hope this book will serve as a conversation starter for families and friends.”
Sean is the co-writer and executive producer of the Academy Award–winning animated short film War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko. He has won a Grammy Award, recorded on over one hundred albums, scored six films, and illustrated and designed several album covers and books. He also founded the record label Chimera Music, releasing his own music and producing two albums by the Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band.

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