In 1954, Hiroshima resident Sadako was hospitalized with leukemia, the "atom bomb disease." At the advice of her friend, Chizuko, Sadako began folding paper cranes; according to legend, the gods will heal anyone who folds one thousand paper cranes. Sadako died in 1955 after folding 644 cranes. Her friends and classmates folded the remaining 356. There is a statue of Sadako in Hiroshima Peace Park, and childen all over the world fold paper cranes to ask for peace. This skillful adaptation of the true story will resonate with children and adults alike. Gorgeous, gentle pastels perfectly complement the poignant story.