Letters to a Prisoner, by Jacques Goldstyn. Owlkids, 2017. $18.95 ages 8 and up

"And perhaps this story will inspire you. Each year, letter-writing campaigns are held in cities all over the world. Last year, cards, letters, and emails were sent from over 185 countries. If you're interested in supporting this cause and making a difference, you can join Amnesty International's efforts by participating in a Write for Rights event ... "

It starts so peacefully. A father, his daughter and others set out to peacefully protest. The guards who meet them, touting helmets, clubs, and shields, beat the father and arrest him. The child is left to her own devices, after one of the men pops her little red balloon.

Father is hauled away, imprisoned and can only protest from inside a small, barren cell. He has no company, little food, and one guard to constantly patrol the perimeter. A blue bird and a tiny mouse are his only company. They share his bread and his presence. Memories of time spent with his much-loved daughter help him get through the very sad and lonely days.

Then one day, the bird drops a letter through the window. The guard tears it up. That happens each and every time the bird brings a new delivery. The letters (written in many languages) are burned. The smoke sends a plea for help that reaches around the world. More and more people find reason to write letters of their own. They are sent from every walk of life, from every part of the world, by any means possible.

The illustrations are skillfully created with pen-and-ink and watercolor. Through them, the reader experiences the pain, the boredom and the hopeless feelings the man has for the future. The letters provide a sense that others care. The exponential increase in their numbers allows the man escape from his prison, and a reunion with his daughter ... at least metaphorically.

There is a great deal of sadness expressed in these wordless pages; at the same time, the author injects slight touches of humor that allow the book to make just the right impression for those children who will hold it in their hands.

Mr. Goldstyn was inspired to create his book by the campaigns of Amnesty International that encourage people of the world to write letters to help combat the injustices that so many must endure. He dedicates it to Raif Badawi and his family. He is a Saudi blogger who has been in prison for five years. His afterword provides encouragement to get involved:

https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/write-for-rights/