There are several stories circulating around Brussels that explain the origin of Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a young boy peeing that sits atop a fountain in the middle of the city. What we know for certain is that it’s been there for centuries and that it’s such a beloved statue that people come from all over the world to see it. They dress it – it has over 600 custom-designed outfits -- and they tell stories about it. One story claims that he was a real boy who relieved himself against the door of a witch’s house and she turned him into stone. Another contends that the statue was commissioned by a grateful father who had promised to have a statue made of his lost son, exactly where he was found, doing what ever he was doing at the moment he was found. Artist Vladimir Radunsky traveled to Belgium and heard many stories about Manneken Pis. The one he liked best was the one he has illustrated here: the story of a little boy who demonstrated against all the fighting going on around his village by peeing on the soldiers on both sides. Radunsky’s boldly fanciful illustrations capture the humor and irreverence of the story without undermining the serious anti-war message. (Ages 4-8)

Radunsky relates the Belgian legend of a boy, separated from his parents during a war, who desperately needs to . . . well, pee. And so he does--right onto the battle. When those fighting see the child, all the bangs and booms turn to laughter, and war gives way to peace. Inspired by the bronze statue of Manneken Pis in Brussels, Radunsky presents an entertaining antiwar picture book. Full-color illustrations.