Healthy Communities • Healthy Kids
YMCA Peace Week in Practice: 5 books for future peace makers
05 November 2015 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
We're all set to celebrate Peace Week across Canada (November 14-21), and the efforts of those in our communities who make a difference in so many ways. Everyone can do their part in creating peace…but just how do you do it? When do you start? Who can you involve?
We’ve put together a list of 5 books that everyone can enjoy and learn about what peace means when you practice it at home, at school or anywhere in the world.
Barbara Kerley, “A Little Peace”
This book gives a richly evocative and thought-provoking view of the world our children will inherit. Wise words and moving images offer a unique and enriching experience for every young reader. According to the author, “peace doesn’t just rest in the hands of politicians and world leaders…we all have the power to make the world more peaceful.”
Vladimir Radunsky, “What Does Peace Feel Like?”
What does that word really mean? Ask children from around the world, and you'll get an array of responses, a selection of which you can find in Vladimir Radunsky's book What Does Peace Feel Like? Simple text and illustrations portray what peace looks, sounds, tastes, feels, and smells like to children around the world in this thought-provoking book by author and illustrator Vladimir Radunsky.
Jeanette Winter, “Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A true story from Africa”
As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.
Eileen Spinelli, “Peace Week in Miss Fox’s Class”
Miss Fox is tired of hearing her young students quarrel, so she announces Peace Week—no more squabbling for one whole week! The children chime in with their own rules: no fighting, don’t say meant things, and help others. Throughout the week, each of the little animals gets a chance to practice this new behavior.
Wendy Anderson Halperin, “Global Peace”
This lavish and lyrical picture book based on the Tao Te Ching asks the eternal question: How can we bring peace to the world? Radiating tenderness and reflecting the influence of eastern philosophies, a compilation of exquisite illustrations and wisely chosen words reveals the heart of where peace truly must orginate: within.
We’ve put together a list of 5 books that everyone can enjoy and learn about what peace means when you practice it at home, at school or anywhere in the world.
Barbara Kerley, “A Little Peace”This book gives a richly evocative and thought-provoking view of the world our children will inherit. Wise words and moving images offer a unique and enriching experience for every young reader. According to the author, “peace doesn’t just rest in the hands of politicians and world leaders…we all have the power to make the world more peaceful.”
Vladimir Radunsky, “What Does Peace Feel Like?”What does that word really mean? Ask children from around the world, and you'll get an array of responses, a selection of which you can find in Vladimir Radunsky's book What Does Peace Feel Like? Simple text and illustrations portray what peace looks, sounds, tastes, feels, and smells like to children around the world in this thought-provoking book by author and illustrator Vladimir Radunsky.
Jeanette Winter, “Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A true story from Africa”As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.
Eileen Spinelli, “Peace Week in Miss Fox’s Class”Miss Fox is tired of hearing her young students quarrel, so she announces Peace Week—no more squabbling for one whole week! The children chime in with their own rules: no fighting, don’t say meant things, and help others. Throughout the week, each of the little animals gets a chance to practice this new behavior.
Wendy Anderson Halperin, “Global Peace”This lavish and lyrical picture book based on the Tao Te Ching asks the eternal question: How can we bring peace to the world? Radiating tenderness and reflecting the influence of eastern philosophies, a compilation of exquisite illustrations and wisely chosen words reveals the heart of where peace truly must orginate: within.
