Publishers Weekly
- Publisher's Weekly
In this slim, timely volume, an Australian author-artist team tackles the concept of peace--not an easy thing to define for adults, let alone for children--and does so with resounding success. Scholes articulates her ideas clearly, without slipping into condescension or cliche, and empowers children through suggestions of steps they themselves can take to become peacemakers. The book is designed for thoughtful examination and discussion; teachers, for example, who are interested in including conflict resolution in a curriculum will find this book ideal. The muted colors of Ingpen's subtle paintings illuminate the prose and give the subject the dignity it deserves. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)
Children's Literature
- Gisela Jernigan
This nonfiction picture book, recently reissued in paperback, introduces young children to the concept of peace in a way that they can understand. The author begins at a personal level by discussing how peace feels, our everyday needs and how different people with different competing needs must often compromise in order to live together peacefully. Using a simple, conversational style, Scholes goes on to address national and international issues relating to peace, including the need to care for the earth. Softly colored, realistic drawings reflect the theme of peace-seeking very well.
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-- Scholes defines peace as having the things one needs--food, shelter, clothing--and at least being able to hope for some of the things one wants--friends, family, and love. Building on this definition, she briefly discusses conflicts that destroy peace, ways to regain it, and being a peacemaker. This is a momentous undertaking for a picture book; an inherent difficulty is trying to explain peace. Nevertheless, the text does a credible, if not entirely satisfying job and could open way to further discussion and exploration of the concept. The format presents additional problems. The jacket and opening picture, coupled with the simple text, seem to indicate that this book is suitable for preschoolers--but it is not. The narration quickly becomes too theoretical, and parts of it are obviously directed toward older children. Despite some startling and moving images, Ingpen's pictures often seem to go off on tangents, e.g., when the text mentions peace as the chance to be free from fear, to have the chance to study, and to find love, the illustration shows children involved in tug of war. The effort is worthy; its lack of success is lamentable. --Karen James, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
