What If Soldiers Fought With Pillows? ― True Stories of Imagination and Courage

A big-idea nonfiction book that invites readers to dream

What if the impossible were actually possible? What if we turned our dreams into action? What if our imagination could help solve real-world crises, like war, famine, and human rights violations?

Through a series of seemingly whimsical questions, this middle-grade nonfiction book introduces readers to people and organizations that are subverting violence, war, and totalitarian power. What if soldiers refused to carry weapons? What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs? What if music could be a creative force for democracy? None of these ideas are impossible—in fact, they are all true historical examples of ideas that have been put into action.

Accessible, engaging text introduces a different question and example on each spread. Evocative conceptual illustrations provide a light-hearted reminder of the power of imagination. This timely book encourages readers to think critically and dare to ask big questions, which might just change the world.

HEATHER CAMLOT is a Toronto-based writer, editor and translator who has covered a diverse range of topics in her 20-year career, including books, health, technology, travel, entertainment, décor and parenting. Her first middle-grade novel, Clutch, was named among Kirkus's Best Middle-Grade Historical Fiction of 2017. She lives in Toronto, Ontario with her family.

Renowned French illustrator SERGE BLOCH has illustrated over three hundred books, and his illustrations regularly appear in publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post and TIME. His many awards include a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal, France's Baobab Award and the Bologna Ragazzi Award. Serge shares his time between Paris and New York.