Peace

Gr 1-2–Charmingly illustrated, this striking picture book informs young readers of the benefits of peace and that it is attainable for each of us: “Peace is on purpose. Peace is a choice. Peace lets the smallest of us have a voice.” Delivered in perfectly scanning rhyming couplets, this important lesson is easily understood in the words that define peace and in the engaging illustrations. Round-face children in a wide variety of skin tones and hair colors mix and mingle with one another and with insects and animals from around the world, including lions, rabbits, bears, zebras, and birds. Bright colors decorate the pages with round-topped trees and flowers along with smiling animals and youngsters. Some of the animals pictured are symbols of peace, such as cranes and the doves holding an olive branch, and some are critters considered naturally peaceful: pandas, koalas, penguins, and butterflies. The authors’ note at the end tells of how war affects not only humans but also the animals living in the midst of conflict and how peace can help repopulate devastated areas.