Patricia Polacco has related another heart-warming story based on true events.  Johnnie Wallen left home at the age of 15 to join the army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  Known for his sharp-shooting skills, he soon earned the nickname, Kentucky Jo.  After many dangerous missions, his unit was stationed in the jungles of the Philippines.  There he met a shy little girl he named Little Heart for the birthmark on her arm.  She could only say “Tucky Jo”.  As their friendship grew, he met her English speaking grandfather and helped their village find food.  When they need to evacuate, he convinces his sergeant to save the village, too.  Many years later, after marrying and settling down with his large family, he began having to spend more and more time at the veteran’s hospital.  One day a new nurse came and assisted with new medicines and procedures.  When he questioned why all of a sudden he was able to get such special treatment, she showed him a birthmark on her arm and replied that it was her turn to care for her “Tucky Jo”.  An epilogue completes the story of Tucky Jo and Little Heart.  Polacco relates the story using many expressions that are common in southern dialects.  Her trademark artistic style using pencils and watercolor accurately portray the emotions and conditions of war, family, and love.  This is another winner from Patricia Polacco.