Karen Katz’s bright and childlike illustrations are the perfect way to introduce the very young to the concept of peace and teach them how to say the word in twenty-two different languages.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1–In celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, the author of The Colors of Us (Holt, 1999) delivers another delightful foray into diversity. One side of each spread features a lively scene from a particular country (Meena lives in India), while opposite, a close-up portrait shows a child who wishes readers peace in his or her own language: Meena says shanti (SHAHN-tee). The last few pages make the point that no matter where they live, all children want the same things, to go to school, to walk in their towns and cities, to play outside…to share food with their families…and feel safe. No matter how we say it, we all want peace. The book closes with an outline world map with tiny images of the youngsters shown waving from their homelands, and a list of other words for peace. Created in collage and mixed media, the vivacious illustrations are filled with movement and energy. Katzs happy, round-faced characters and bold folk-art colors and patterns work beautifully to lighten up the message. A simple, buoyantly illustrated look at the wonderful variety of lifestyles across the globe and the similarities of children everywhere.–Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL
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PreS. In time for the International Day of Peace on September 21, this bright picture book in folk-art style shows preschoolers in various countries around the world who call for peace. On each double-page spread is a full-page brightly painted collage of daily life in a country, from India to France to Mexico; opposite is a portrait of one child, accompanied by her name, and the word for peace in her language. Of course, there is stereotyping; how can the diversity of a country be reduced to a single page? There are also questions about what is left out. For example, Meena lives in India, but her collage pictures depict only the rural and traditional (sari-clad women doing crafts; an elephant in the distance). The view of China is similar, but American Emily is shown next to a view of high-tech, urban New York City. Most useful is the clear world map on the last page, showing where the children come from, the languages they speak, and a list of more countries with their words for peace. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"With vibrantly colored patterns softened by soothing rhythmic lines ... this timely primer on nonviolence works in its simplicity."
--Kirkus Reviews
"A great way to introduce multiculturalism to young readers."
--The Oakland Journal
About the Author
Karen Katz has written and illustrated many books for children, including The Colors of Us, My First Ramadan, Counting Kisses and Where is Baby’s Belly Button. Long inspired by folk art from around the world, she was inspired to write her first book, Over the Moon, when she and her husband adopted their daughter from Guatemala, and she wanted to tell the story of welcoming Lena into their lives. Katz loves to paint and experiment with texture, color, collage and pattern. Besides an author and illustrator, she has been a costume designer, quilt maker, fabric artist and graphic designer. Katz and her family divide their time between New York City and Saugerties, New York.
