Can You Say Peace?
PreSchool-Grade 1–In celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, the author ofThe 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 saysshanti(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, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.