Planting Sunshine
Written by Andrée Poulin
Illustrated by Enzo Lord Mariano
Published by Groundwood Books
In a distant country, war is wreaking havoc. Theo, safe in his house, is horrified by the images of violence he sees on TV, and he can’t stop wondering why: Why the war? Why this senseless violence? Why so much hate? His dad says it’s complicated, and has no real answers to give him. His friends at school say that kids shouldn’t be worried about faraway wars. But Theo can’t stop thinking about bombs destroying houses and schools. He starts to feel very, very alone.
Inspired by an unusual act he sees on TV, where a woman gives seeds of the national flower to an enemy soldier, Theo wonders if there’s a way that he can help sow the seeds of peace.
Weaving poems and striking illustrations, this book shows how war hurts people everywhere. The story reminds us that everyone — young or old, near or far — has the power to create positive change. Includes an author’s note about ways to build peace.
Primary ISBN: 9781779460950
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Ukrainian/Ukrainian American
Themes: Community Action, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Education & Literacy, Family Relationship: Parents, Mental Health, Neighbors & Neighborhoods, Refugee: War/Conflict, Trauma & Healing
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
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