An inspiring picture book biography that is placed in Europe during WWII. This book is a perfect compliment to texts which date from the same period of stress and conflict. A promising young self-taught botanist In France succeeded in cross pollinating two rose bushes to create a new rose. Known for its beauty, cuttings of this new rose were shipped to various countries. This nonfiction picture book goes on to speak about how WWII interfered with the development of non-vegetable plants which were needed to feed solders and the general population.

While the book is a pleasure to read and the illustrations are exquisite and detailed, the question of circulation remains in the mind of this reviewer. Certainly, this book belongs in collections of intermediate media centers and public libraries however it remains to be seen if young readers will be attracted to its content. A Rose Named Peace will not appeal to all young readers but will find a place with adults who are familiar with the species of rose. Several vital pieces of information are included in the afterword section. Readers will be introduced to the patent process, learn how the rose received its name, and can view a detailed diagram within the glossary. Include this book where juvenile biographies are collected for school projects, librarians could book talk when visiting local garden clubs or in discussing plant adaptations.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian