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What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows?
What if the impossible were actually possible? What if we turned our dreams into action? What if our imagination could help solve real-world crises, like war, famine, and human rights violations?
Through a series of seemingly whimsical questions, this middle-grade nonfiction book introduces readers to people and organizations that are subverting violence, war, and totalitarian power. What if soldiers refused to carry weapons? What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs? What if music could be a creative force for democracy? None of these ideas are impossible—in fact, they are all true historical examples of ideas that have been put into action.
Accessible, engaging text introduces a different question and example on each spread. Evocative conceptual illustrations provide a light-hearted reminder of the power of imagination. This timely book encourages readers to think critically and dare to ask big questions, which might just change the world.
Through a series of seemingly whimsical questions, this middle-grade nonfiction book introduces readers to people and organizations that are subverting violence, war, and totalitarian power. What if soldiers refused to carry weapons? What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs? What if music could be a creative force for democracy? None of these ideas are impossible—in fact, they are all true historical examples of ideas that have been put into action.
Accessible, engaging text introduces a different question and example on each spread. Evocative conceptual illustrations provide a light-hearted reminder of the power of imagination. This timely book encourages readers to think critically and dare to ask big questions, which might just change the world.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 2020
About the author
Heather Camlot
13 books43 followersHEATHER CAMLOT is an award-winning author of a dozen books for young readers.
Her middle-grade nonfiction include What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? True Stories of Imagination and Determination, The Prisoner and the Writer, and One Goal: How Soccer Can Help Save the Planet. Heather is also an accomplished writer fiction. Her two middle-grade novels are Clutch and The Other Side.
Fall 2026 will see two new nonfiction books, Have a Bite! How Food Connects Us and Beyond Words: The Meaning and Impact of Signs and Symbols. Two more books are slated for 2027: Champions for Change: How Athletes are Making a Difference and Poster Child: The Story of Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, her first picture book.
Heather’s books have been honoured as a Best Book pick from Kirkus Reviews, a Canadian Jewish Literary Awards winner (juvenile category), Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, an Outstanding Science Trade Book (NSTA/CBC) and Skipping Stones Honor Awards. They have also been shortlisted for provincial, national, and international awards, including Forest of Reading, CCBC Book Awards, Prix littéraire FETKANN – Maryse Condé.
Before book publishing, she immersed herself in the Canadian children’s literature scene, working at Mabel’s Fables Bookstore and volunteering with the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP).
A journalist for more than 25 years, she has written, edited and translated for Quill & Quire, Owl and Canadian Children’s Book News, among others. She has a BA in Communication Studies from Concordia University and an MA in Journalism from New York University. Originally from Montreal, Heather lives in Toronto with her family.
Her middle-grade nonfiction include What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? True Stories of Imagination and Determination, The Prisoner and the Writer, and One Goal: How Soccer Can Help Save the Planet. Heather is also an accomplished writer fiction. Her two middle-grade novels are Clutch and The Other Side.
Fall 2026 will see two new nonfiction books, Have a Bite! How Food Connects Us and Beyond Words: The Meaning and Impact of Signs and Symbols. Two more books are slated for 2027: Champions for Change: How Athletes are Making a Difference and Poster Child: The Story of Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, her first picture book.
Heather’s books have been honoured as a Best Book pick from Kirkus Reviews, a Canadian Jewish Literary Awards winner (juvenile category), Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, an Outstanding Science Trade Book (NSTA/CBC) and Skipping Stones Honor Awards. They have also been shortlisted for provincial, national, and international awards, including Forest of Reading, CCBC Book Awards, Prix littéraire FETKANN – Maryse Condé.
Before book publishing, she immersed herself in the Canadian children’s literature scene, working at Mabel’s Fables Bookstore and volunteering with the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP).
A journalist for more than 25 years, she has written, edited and translated for Quill & Quire, Owl and Canadian Children’s Book News, among others. She has a BA in Communication Studies from Concordia University and an MA in Journalism from New York University. Originally from Montreal, Heather lives in Toronto with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2020
"In Nazi Germany, if you didn’t shoot down the enemy, you could be punished by being shot yourself. Stigler knew this and still chose not to follow orders. He couldn’t fire on a defenseless plane and crew. It would be dishonorable. It would be the action of a monster" ~ What if soldiers fought with pillows?
What if soldiers fought with pillows? by Heather Camlot is a non fiction novel that totally caught me the moment I looked at its title and cover.
It tells you so many unusual stories about war times and how people tried creative methods to bring in peace, equality, justice to the world.
The stories will simply amaze you and you will be awestruck to know that people like them existed back then who want to make this world a better place.
It has stories of common people which was the best part of the book.
There are stories like What if the rules of war were the same as rules in school?, What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs? and many more such amusing real stories.
The book did complete justice to my expectations and I loved it.
I would say this books should be read by everyone be it a child, be it a teenager or be it an adult.
💯 Recommended.
What if soldiers fought with pillows? by Heather Camlot is a non fiction novel that totally caught me the moment I looked at its title and cover.
It tells you so many unusual stories about war times and how people tried creative methods to bring in peace, equality, justice to the world.
The stories will simply amaze you and you will be awestruck to know that people like them existed back then who want to make this world a better place.
It has stories of common people which was the best part of the book.
There are stories like What if the rules of war were the same as rules in school?, What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs? and many more such amusing real stories.
The book did complete justice to my expectations and I loved it.
I would say this books should be read by everyone be it a child, be it a teenager or be it an adult.
💯 Recommended.
March 3, 2020
As the title would suggest, this book draws attention to times when creative, non-violent methods have brought about change. Each story is prefaced with a "What if...?" question which relate to the story if a little tenuously at times, for example the titular "What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows instead of pistols?" is about a conscientious objector who became an army medic.
The selection of stories is quite varied and not simply focused on a single country.
My biggest grievance was that the book opens with a quote J K Rowling about making the world a better place - her narrow-minded worldview does not make the world better. I feel as though there is a wide variety of quotes from people that could have been used and yet the authors chose to go with someone who has a very poor reputation because she is a very famous author.
The selection of stories is quite varied and not simply focused on a single country.
My biggest grievance was that the book opens with a quote J K Rowling about making the world a better place - her narrow-minded worldview does not make the world better. I feel as though there is a wide variety of quotes from people that could have been used and yet the authors chose to go with someone who has a very poor reputation because she is a very famous author.
December 28, 2019
What a wonderful way to approach big, harsh issues -- by asking simple What if questions that seem silly and yet this collection of true stories reveal how possible and powerful creative nonviolence can be. Great for adults and kids alike. I appreciate its hopefully active imagination -- may it spread!
March 12, 2020
What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows?: True Stories of Imagination and Courage, written by Heather Camlot and illustrated by Serge Bloch, is currently scheduled for release on March 15 2020. What if the impossible were actually possible? What if we turned our dreams into action? What if our imagination could help solve real-world crises, like war, famine, and human rights violations? Through a series of seemingly whimsical questions, this middle-grade nonfiction book introduces readers to people and organizations that are subverting violence, war, and totalitarian power. What if soldiers refused to carry weapons? What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs? What if music could be a creative force for democracy? None of these ideas are impossible—in fact, they are all true historical examples of ideas that have been put into action.
What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? is an accessible look at how people that thought a little differently and asked the hard questions have been able to effect change. I liket hat while the questions are framed with a little humor the book does not ignore the dangers that some of these people faced in their efforts. Many of these stories were new to me, and even those I vaguely remember I was glad to read again or get more information on. I thought the text was well written and engaging. I think the illustrations were cartoony and fun. They did a great job of keeping some humor on each page, and keeping the interest for readers. Imagination, asking questions, and standing strong in your beliefs were key in each of these stories- and are great values to encourage in readers of all ages. It encourages readers to ask questions, especially the hard ones, and to try to find solutions that will help I like that the book also included a glossary and cited its sources in the backmatter. I might have liked a list of websites or reading materials for further reading, but that could very well be in the final version since I had a digital arc.
What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? encourages critical thinking and standing up for your beliefs and passions. I love the real stories from world history that are used to encourage readers of all ages to look past the obvious answers to find something more.
What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? is an accessible look at how people that thought a little differently and asked the hard questions have been able to effect change. I liket hat while the questions are framed with a little humor the book does not ignore the dangers that some of these people faced in their efforts. Many of these stories were new to me, and even those I vaguely remember I was glad to read again or get more information on. I thought the text was well written and engaging. I think the illustrations were cartoony and fun. They did a great job of keeping some humor on each page, and keeping the interest for readers. Imagination, asking questions, and standing strong in your beliefs were key in each of these stories- and are great values to encourage in readers of all ages. It encourages readers to ask questions, especially the hard ones, and to try to find solutions that will help I like that the book also included a glossary and cited its sources in the backmatter. I might have liked a list of websites or reading materials for further reading, but that could very well be in the final version since I had a digital arc.
What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? encourages critical thinking and standing up for your beliefs and passions. I love the real stories from world history that are used to encourage readers of all ages to look past the obvious answers to find something more.
May 24, 2020
This book takes a look at some very harsh realities in life such as war, poverty, hunger, and oppression and asks “What If?”--that is, what if things were handled differently. This book presents 15 different events in history where a single person or a group of people decided to respond to the situation in a more peaceful manner. The first example is the story of the conscientious objector, Desmond Doss, who carried a Bible instead of a gun into World War II. Desmond not only survived, but he was able to save 75 of his soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge. Another story includes the time that West African soccer star Didier Drogba used his influence to unite his country that was in the middle of a civil war. During the World Cup playoffs, Drogba was able to encourage his country to cheer as one when Ivory Coast beat Madagascar. Muhammad Ali is another example when he was jailed for refusing to serve in the Vietnam War. He was stripped of his heavyweight title and had his boxing license suspended--only to be reinstated later and receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President Bush. This book goes on with stories of people trying to make life better for others during times of war. Some other examples include groups that provide food and comfort to refugees, clowns that offer entertainment to traumatized children, the artist Picasso who painted the picture Guernica that illustrates the graphic destruction of innocent lives, and circus performers that share the healing power of the arts.
I thought the illustrations by Serge Bloch worked well with this story because they seemed to reflect the whimsical imagination of a child asking “What if?”. For example, the soldiers did not really fight with pillows even though the illustrations show that with the Desmond Doss story--it is a way of showing soldiers using something other than a gun to fight. The illustrations did add a little levity to a more serious book, which I think might be good for a younger audience.
I thought the illustrations by Serge Bloch worked well with this story because they seemed to reflect the whimsical imagination of a child asking “What if?”. For example, the soldiers did not really fight with pillows even though the illustrations show that with the Desmond Doss story--it is a way of showing soldiers using something other than a gun to fight. The illustrations did add a little levity to a more serious book, which I think might be good for a younger audience.
June 28, 2020
This book is amazing. What if the impossible was possible? Heather Camlot made me want to learn more about war. The first short story, which is called "What if soldiers Fought with Pillows instead of Pistols?" told me about a deeply religious man who wanted to serve in the army but refused to hold a weapon. I saw a movie called Hacksaw Ridge that told the story of this man, named Desmond Doss. The army said he could join so Doss became a medic. He once was hurt so he treated his own wound, but he got hurt again so he was put on a stretcher but he gave it to another soldier in worse shape. On battle ground, Doss saved about sixty of his men. Another short story that I liked is "What if the rules of war were the same as the rules at school?" This story told of two men, one from Germany another one from America. At this time they were at war with each other. The American was called Charlie Brown and his crew were bombing an "aircraft plant" in Bremen,Germany. During bombing Brown's plane got hit badly. German Franz Stigler spotted Brown's plane flying low so he climbed into his plane and was surprised that Brown's plane could still fly. He knew that if he shot down the plane he would get promoted. Stigler flew next to Brown's plane and told him to surrender. Brown refused but Stigler didn't shoot. Later they landed safely. Stigler knew he broke some rules. After a few year they met each other in Canada. Stigler was an nice and brave person. He helped somebody he was in battle with and didn't shoot him. This book is an very interesting book about war that has short stories about events of war that relate to their titles. This book is recommended to people who like war and short stories and like nonfiction. Bye Bye!
October 7, 2020
This phenomenal collection of short stories follows the path that many took to creating peaceful alternatives to war. Documenting historical events around the world, these stories share how famous people organized movements to either end wars or provide alternatives to war.
I think this book would be perfect for fourth grade social studies because it could jump start discussions about how we can solve problems without resorting to violence while also sharing historical information related to world politics.
My favorite thing about this book is that each story has a different heading written in the form of a question. Each question seems like it could start an open ended discussion of its own like "What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs?" I think these questions could be used for creative writing assignments that bridge the gap that sometimes occurs between literacy blocks and social studies blocks in an average school day.
I also appreciate the impartial tone that this book is written in because many other political texts students are exposed to tend to be biased in some way. The only bias I found in this collection of short stories was that we should strive to find peaceful alternatives to violence. I like this bias because it translates to the way students should be acting in the classroom. Disputes oftentimes happen and it's important that we bring literature like this that inspire more peaceful solutions to disagreements. In this sense, this collection of short stories can also be a great form of moral discussion because of the way that the people in the stories solved conflict in a nonviolent way.
I think this book would be perfect for fourth grade social studies because it could jump start discussions about how we can solve problems without resorting to violence while also sharing historical information related to world politics.
My favorite thing about this book is that each story has a different heading written in the form of a question. Each question seems like it could start an open ended discussion of its own like "What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs?" I think these questions could be used for creative writing assignments that bridge the gap that sometimes occurs between literacy blocks and social studies blocks in an average school day.
I also appreciate the impartial tone that this book is written in because many other political texts students are exposed to tend to be biased in some way. The only bias I found in this collection of short stories was that we should strive to find peaceful alternatives to violence. I like this bias because it translates to the way students should be acting in the classroom. Disputes oftentimes happen and it's important that we bring literature like this that inspire more peaceful solutions to disagreements. In this sense, this collection of short stories can also be a great form of moral discussion because of the way that the people in the stories solved conflict in a nonviolent way.
March 9, 2020
This book encourages kids to think outside the box and look for creative, nonviolent solutions that can help resolve conflicts, bring help to hurting people, and bring justice by looking at examples of real people and organizations all over the world and throughout the past 100 years who have done so.
A very thought-provoking book. Each page spread asks a weird question and then follows it up with a true story that makes the weird seem not so weird, maybe even possible in one way or another. The illustrations are simple and look like they might have been done by a child. The questions are deep enough and examples poignant enough to spark amazing conversations among children on up through teenagers (or even adults). A couple of the example people or organizations have their own books for teens or adults, so if one sparks interest you may want to encourage kids to look into them further. I really liked the global focus of this book. There were several examples from Africa and Asia which sadly often get overlooked even in “global” collections. This was a good mix of people and organizations from every continent. The examples are mostly pretty current, and all are from within the past 80 years. Definitely recommended if you are looking for a conversation starter read for middle graders on up, or if you are looking for examples of nonviolent protestors, people who chose kindness over hate, or creative relief organizations.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A very thought-provoking book. Each page spread asks a weird question and then follows it up with a true story that makes the weird seem not so weird, maybe even possible in one way or another. The illustrations are simple and look like they might have been done by a child. The questions are deep enough and examples poignant enough to spark amazing conversations among children on up through teenagers (or even adults). A couple of the example people or organizations have their own books for teens or adults, so if one sparks interest you may want to encourage kids to look into them further. I really liked the global focus of this book. There were several examples from Africa and Asia which sadly often get overlooked even in “global” collections. This was a good mix of people and organizations from every continent. The examples are mostly pretty current, and all are from within the past 80 years. Definitely recommended if you are looking for a conversation starter read for middle graders on up, or if you are looking for examples of nonviolent protestors, people who chose kindness over hate, or creative relief organizations.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced read of this interesting book.
"When we ask questions starting with "What if...?" we dare ourselves to think big and to think differently." This quote explains the premise of this book to a tee.
The questions shared here are answered from a point of view that may seem trite but they are supported by historical situations to make us think.
The illustrations may be considered "old school" for their lack of bright colors. In this case, the lack of color matches the tone of the book.
"When we ask questions starting with "What if...?" we dare ourselves to think big and to think differently." This quote explains the premise of this book to a tee.
The questions shared here are answered from a point of view that may seem trite but they are supported by historical situations to make us think.
The illustrations may be considered "old school" for their lack of bright colors. In this case, the lack of color matches the tone of the book.
August 13, 2020
There are some great true stories here which will engage kids, and hopefully, get them thinking about how to approach situations differently. But for me, the "What if" heading for each two-page section was misleading. I thought they would all be literal, but they are more figurative and metaphorical. This is somewhat disappointing, as I was hoping for things like a true tale of soldiers putting down their firearms to fight with pillows instead... but maybe that means that idea needs to be part of a fantasy fiction picture book.
April 27, 2021
This is a collection of real life stories about how big and seemingly impossible problems were solved by creative solutions. Silly and whimsical questions are used to introduce each true story that outlines how an individual or organization thought outside the box to bring resolutions to war, conflict, awareness, and needs around the world. I appreciated how this book encourages critical and discerning thinking and imaginative problem solving. It's also a great example of how we can learn from history and those who have had courage and innovation before us.
January 22, 2023
This is a non-fiction book for all ages, not just middle-grade students. The “what if” questions are followed by real-life examples that made my heart soar and got me thinking, too. Dares me to respond with “what if,” instead of “whatever!”
December 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the concept of this book, but I walked away from it feeling disappointed. The history of using out of the box ideas to solve large problems is an important lesson for kids to learn. I felt like this book was a bit disjointed though as the stories were not organized very well.
February 25, 2020
Nice inspiring book showing how individuals can make a difference. There were stories from the past and more current ones. Great book for showing resilience.
March 8, 2020
Really interesting information packaged in a great way for middle grade readers. This book teaches kids that there are many ways to make a difference in the world. I learned so much.
April 9, 2020
Note: I received an F&G at ALA Midwinter 2020.
July 8, 2020
As a teacher, I plan to use this book to help educate my students on important figures from both the past and the present.
July 12, 2020
Such an inspiring book, for young and old. I love how it opens our minds to various issues and stories in beautifully written short accounts.
October 2, 2020
Interesting idea and information, but not sure if kids would be engaged enough to read it. I can see teachers using one or two passages to spark discussion.
August 28, 2021
What of questions then explore unique approaches to war and world problems, very thoughtful
March 17, 2022
What if soldiers themselves read this book?
September 7, 2023
The author describes things done by individuals and groups, to be nonviolent. I love the ideas involved, but the chapter names and book title don't relate to the contents.
August 15, 2020
What a great jumping off point for a research project! Middle grade is the goal, picture-based is the format. Could it have been done differently? Still, engaging examples of true efforts from conscientious objector in WWII to Einstein- the power to imagine another way, to resist the default solutions in answer to conflict. Teachers need to know about this book!
February 9, 2026
Delightful hypothetical questions posed with thoughtful, though often humorous, responses such as "What if everybody showed up to a political party with her dancing shoes on?" and "What if the balance of power was weighed on a teeter totter?" and "What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs?" Very timely for our current times. Single-page responses to these questions tell stories of resistance and anecdotes that show an alternative to war.
December 1, 2022
The title of this middle grade book is such a great question. With wonderful illustrations, this story is written by questions and examples of what people have done. Below I have listed six of the sections in the book, and there are ten more such interesting and thought-provoking questions.
What if soldiers fought with pillows instead of guns?;
What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs?;
What if battlegrounds were soccer fields and spectators cheered for every team?;
What if Navy SEALs balanced balls on their noses or played horns?;
What if battle lines were drawn with paintbrushes and all the colours of the rainbow?;
What if an air strike was a cry for peace carried by the wind?
What if soldiers fought with pillows instead of guns?;
What if fighter pilots dropped seeds instead of bombs?;
What if battlegrounds were soccer fields and spectators cheered for every team?;
What if Navy SEALs balanced balls on their noses or played horns?;
What if battle lines were drawn with paintbrushes and all the colours of the rainbow?;
What if an air strike was a cry for peace carried by the wind?
February 15, 2020
I thought that this was a great book and even as an adult it gave me food for thought!
I found that the book was a wonderful way to approach some of the bigger issues regarding conflicts that are taking place at the moment and the wars that have taken place in the past.
The book poses the questions in a simple way – for example – what if soldiers fought with pillows as the title said. It might sound a little silly but it actually works really well.
I thought it great – easy to read and understand with plenty to make you think – 4 stars!
I found that the book was a wonderful way to approach some of the bigger issues regarding conflicts that are taking place at the moment and the wars that have taken place in the past.
The book poses the questions in a simple way – for example – what if soldiers fought with pillows as the title said. It might sound a little silly but it actually works really well.
I thought it great – easy to read and understand with plenty to make you think – 4 stars!
January 11, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting little gem. What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? is a non-fiction book aimed at middle graders, talking about people in various different places and time periods who tried to stop conflict, or help victims of conflict, through pacifist actions. Each of the stories is framed with a question that invites the reader to imagine what the world could be like if current way of waging war were replaced with non-violent ones - such as the titular "What if soldiers fought with pillows instead of pistols?" or "What if a theater of war had costumes and musical numbers?".
The real-life stories are well-chosen and interesting, and the concept has just the right touch of whimsy to thoroughly engage and, hopefully, call to action - the book's basic premise is that we should dare to imagine a better world and work toward it. I honestly do hope this is exactly the reaction the book inspires in children; my cynical adult self, on the other hand, mostly got saddened at the state of the world requiring the small actions of kindness presented in this book.
A minor nitpick about the generally lovely illustrations: I'd have preferred a different color scheme, but that's a highly subjective remark that's neither here nor there, really.
3,5/5 stars, rounded down.
This was an interesting little gem. What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? is a non-fiction book aimed at middle graders, talking about people in various different places and time periods who tried to stop conflict, or help victims of conflict, through pacifist actions. Each of the stories is framed with a question that invites the reader to imagine what the world could be like if current way of waging war were replaced with non-violent ones - such as the titular "What if soldiers fought with pillows instead of pistols?" or "What if a theater of war had costumes and musical numbers?".
The real-life stories are well-chosen and interesting, and the concept has just the right touch of whimsy to thoroughly engage and, hopefully, call to action - the book's basic premise is that we should dare to imagine a better world and work toward it. I honestly do hope this is exactly the reaction the book inspires in children; my cynical adult self, on the other hand, mostly got saddened at the state of the world requiring the small actions of kindness presented in this book.
A minor nitpick about the generally lovely illustrations: I'd have preferred a different color scheme, but that's a highly subjective remark that's neither here nor there, really.
3,5/5 stars, rounded down.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews