Review by Booklist Review
Poet LeBox has composed a gentle meditation on peace that uses broad descriptors yet feels personal. As visualized by Graegin's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations, the reader follows a group of neighborhood children who weave in and out of each others' days. The reader sees peace being created by children playing together, sharing, ignoring taunts, comforting each other, sitting quietly, and singing. Then, about halfway through the book, there is a reference to the September 11 attacks, which shifts the tone of the narrative. Now peace is about healing; it's a journey. The diverse group of children, representing different races and ages, reinforces the concept of peace as a universal presence sought by all and within everyone's reach. Although children might not grasp the enormity of what the author is trying to describe, the soothing cadence of the text and the soft illustrations make this an excellent book for sharing one-on-one and for taking stock of small, sometimes unexpected joys.--Dean, Kara Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Peace," a very big idea, becomes more approachable and achievable when it is reframed as acts of kindness, comfort, and community. "Peace is an offering./ A muffin or a peach," writes LeBox as Graegin shows a girl visiting an injured, bedridden friend. "A birthday invitation./ A trip to the beach." Having established peace as something more than a cessation of hostilities, the collaborators underscore the importance of mindfulness and intent, distinguishing peace from perfunctory courtesy and niceness. An offering of peace really means, "Will you stay with me?/ Will you be my friend?/ Will you listen to my story till the very end?" LeBox (Circle of Cranes) can't resist slipping in a few bromides ("Catch a falling star"), and an allusion to 9/11 feels unnecessary, but she's successful in making a book that will resonate with both secular and faith-based audiences. Graegin's (Forget Me Not) calm, tightly rendered, and warm-hued drawings actually do much of the narrative heavy lifting, portraying believable, ordinary children who are empathic peacemakers in their everyday lives. Ages 3-5. Author's agent: Steven Chudney, Chudney Agency. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
With many examples of humane behavior, this simple, quiet rhyming book features a diverse group of youngsters going through their activities in an urban setting, sharing, helping, consoling, laughing, and truly listening to one another. A subtle reference to 9/11 will require explanation. Graegin's pencil and watercolor illustrations have been digitally manipulated but have an old-fashioned, comforting look. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A list of small lessons that, when added up, have a great impact.Peace is so abstract that it's a difficult concept to grasp. LeBox tries to make it concrete, encouraging children to practice small acts of giving, sharing and understanding every day. She follows a diverse group of friends as they find tiny moments of peace in the world around them. "Peace is an offering. / A muffin or a peach. // A birthday invitation. / A trip to the beach." Peace is also found in the answers to some potentially scary questions: "Will you stay with me? / Will you be my friend? / Will you listen to my story / till the very end?" The pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are muted and comforting, often with a glow of warmth even on the rainy-day pages. LeBox then offers direct, child-friendly advice: "So offer a cookie, / walk away from a fight. / Comfort a friend // Through the long, dark night." Even in tragedy (the text hints at the 9/11 attacks), peace can be found. Affecting and heartfelt. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
