Caroline Binch's watercolour illustrations - often on double-page spreads and with many close ups of facial expressions - are the perfect visual accompaniment to this poignant story of war and family separation. Petar, whose violin playing is the staple of every celebration, must flee his rural Balkan community when war breaks out, seeking refuge across the border with his mother, brother and sister, whilst the father remains behind. Petar must learn to hope again and to recover his love of music.