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News via Lennon camp:
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.”
Dave Mullins said, “Why are those people fighting? That was one of those questions my kids asked when they were young that was difficult to answer. I always came back to the same idea: you must have peace and understanding in everything you do. There’s no better example of that than John and Yoko’s message. I sincerely hope this book helps parents talk to their children about how conflict hurts everyone involved, and that there is always a peaceful solution.”
Brad Booker said, “I’m so proud to have been a part of the short film inspired by John and Yoko’s genius work. Now to make our publishing debut for young readers—alongside Sean, Dave, and Max—truly goes beyond my wildest dreams.”
Tamar Brazis, VP and Publisher, Viking Children’s Books, said, “This creative powerhouse has taken John and Yoko’s iconic song and translated its message for a new generation of readers who need it now more than ever. It’s been an honor to work with this team on such an unforgettable project.”
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.
Brad Booker is the producer of the Academy Award-winning 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 writer and director of the Academy Award-winning 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.
Max Narciso is the character designer of the Academy Award–winning 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.
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