Let There Be Peace on Earth: And Let It Begin with Me (Book & CD)
Kindergarten-Grade 3—This classic song was written in 1955, and now Diaz's luminous artwork brings it to life for picture-book audiences. The artist's depictions of world peace symbols support the lyrics such as the Turtle (South Pacific); Crane (Japan); Lamb (Mediterranean); and, in one case, a current symbol of peaceful struggle, the Women in White (Cuba). They are depicted with joined hands, their cloudlike dresses float across a blue sky, their black shoes dangling over the orange and yellow houses below. Like stitching, the words flow along their white skirts: "With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow…." The song includes "With God as Our Father," which may make this book more suitable for public libraries; however, ultimately, though, the words insist upon the responsibility of the individual to make peace, and to "let it begin with me." Used by the United Nations and UNICEF, the song's history should assuage any hesitation by school librarians to add it to their collections. The CD contains 12 peace-themed, secular songs. The arrangements are airy and fun for children. Samples may be found at www.lettherebepeacecd.com. A brief bio of the songwriters and a description of the song's conception and its flourishing are appended.—Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.