When armed soldiers arrive near their hometown in 1938, Charles's parents must move the family to another town in Czechoslovakia. Artistic Charles misses his old home--as well as the art supplies he had to leave behind. He knows there's no hope of replacing them, not with war looming. Then one day Charles spots a beautiful bridge, and inspiration strikes. He can make some art supplies With paints made from clay, herbs, and vegetables, and brushes fashioned from branches and pussy willows, Charles paints the bridge.

Inspired by actual events, Charles's Bridge is a story of inspiration and an artist's fierce desire to create art and capture beauty during wartime. Beautifully illustrated, this book includes a reproduction of Charles's painting, and an Author's Note, PreS-Gr 3.