War Is Over!

A picture book adaptation of the Oscar-winning animated short film inspired by the song by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

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.

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.

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.

Author: Sean Ono Lennon,Dave Mullins,Brad Booker
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/04/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.27lbs
Size: 10.50h x 10.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9798217040094
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2025
School Library Journal 10/01/2025 pg. 74

About the Author
Brad Booker is the Academy Award-winning producer of the animated short film War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko and the founder of ElectroLeague. His production credits include Rumble and the Golden Globe-nominated film The Book of Life. His animation credits include The Iron Giant, Stuart Little, Spider-Man, and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. He lives in Los Angeles. You can follow him on Instagram @ThatBradBooker.

Dave Mullins is the Academy Award-winning writer and director of the animated short film War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko and co-founder of ElectroLeague. He is a twenty-year Pixar Animation veteran, where he worked on films including Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Cars, and Up. He also wrote and directed the Oscar-nominated Pixar short film Lou. He lives in Florida. You can follow him on Instagram @Dave.Mullins.

Sean Ono Lennon 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. He lives in New York. You can follow him on Instagram @Sean_Ono_Lennon.

Max Marciso is the character designer of the Academy Award-winning animated short film War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko. He is an Italian-born designer, comic artist, sculptor, and animator. He lives in Los Angeles. You can follow him on Instagram @NarcisoMax.