Peace Begins With You - Softcover

Katherine Scholes was born in Tanzania, East Africa, the daughter of a missionary doctor and an artist. She has since lives in England, Melbourne, and Tasmania, and is the author the international bestsellers The Rain Queen, Make Me an Idol, The Stone Angel, and The Hunter's Wife. She has sold over two million books in Germany and France.
Robert Ingpen has written and/or illustrated over 100 published books including picture books, fictional works for all ages, and nonfiction. He has designed postage stamps, murals, and tapestries, and has hosted exhibitions around the world. In 2002, his work was featured in the inaugural exhibition at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts.

Grade 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
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