Thank you to Flyaway Books for the review copy of THREE LINES IN A CIRCLE by Michael G. Long and illustrated by Carlos Velez.

This short, inspiring volume is unsurprisingly a Cybils 2021 nominee for Nonfiction Picture Books. I received it because I am a panelist; this review reflects my opinion.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I assumed that the peace symbol was something hippies in the USA made up to protest Vietnam.

But I never wondered more about its origins. Also, I was wrong on all counts.

Fun fact: The peace sign ☮️ was drawn in 1958 by London graphic designer Gerald Holtom, and debuted on Easter weekend.

It’s based on the semaphore code for N P (as in nuclear non-proliferation).

Long’s prose is simple enough for young children. However, older readers will love the backmatter – a crash course in branding; community leadership; and mid-century-to-present social justice around the world.

Velez’s richly-colored and magical art gorgeously illustrates the true meaning of hope and shared humanity wrapped up in this cultural icon.

THREE LINES IN A CIRCLE is available now from Flyaway Books.