A Time for Reflection: Books about Peace

With the stress of the holiday season now passed, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and once again find peace. “Peace” may refer to a time without war or disagreement, or it may mean a sense of calmness and tranquility. Find listed below several children’s books about all kinds of peace to help you to define what peace means to you.

If you’re interested in finding more books about peace, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “peace,” “peacemakers,” or “mindfulness.”

Cali, Davide and Serge Bloche
The Enemy. 2009 (Picture Book).
A deep yet surprisingly simple look at the mindset of war, this saddening story explores the ugliness of hate, and the hopefulness of peace. The plain line-drawing illustrations mixed with real photographs make a powerful impact.
[Q. SE. C128en]

Klein, Carol Swartout
Painting for Peace in Ferguson. 2015 (Nonfiction).
Entirely kid-friendly, this account of a modern-day peace movement showcases some of the art and artists of Ferguson, Missouri in the wake of a frightening and saddening event. Boarded up buildings became works of art as local community members worked together to paint messages of peace.
[Q. S.917.7866 K6721p]

Kor, Paul
The Hawk and the Dove. 2019 (Picture Book).
Through clever paper cuts, this book follows the story of a feisty hawk who feels tired and sad from all of the war he has wrought, and decides to change into a dove. Suddenly, weapons of war all over the world turn into beautiful things, leaving the dove to wonder if it will last.
[Q. SE. K8423ha]

Lebox, Annette
Peace is an Offering. 2017 (Picture Book).
Explore all of the subtler, quieter moments throughout the day in which one can find peace with others. This tender-hearted book shows that even in times of great sadness, peace can be found.
[SE. L4933p]

Meng, Cece
World Pizza. 2017 (Picture Book).
When Mama sneezes while wishing for world peace, suddenly the entire globe is covered in pizzas. But could it be that Mama still gets her true wish? Fans of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will love this silly tale of flying food.
[Q. SE. M524wo]

Mirza, Sandrine
People of Peace: 40 Inspiring Icons. 2018 (Nonfiction).
This cute and colorful book provides quick biographies and interesting infographics about forty peacemakers, including many recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
[S.327.172092 M679pe]

Moore, Sandra
The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with a Big Story. 2015 (Picture Book).
Follow the story of a little tree, nicknamed “Miyajima,” as it continues to grow through generations of a Japanese family. When the bomb is dropped and the tree survives, it suddenly becomes a symbol of something much greater: Peace.
[Q. SE. M7866p]

Ortner, Nick and Alison Taylor
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm through Mindful Breathing. 2018 (Nonfiction).
Find inner peace through the power of your own breath, and feel your worries fade away. This introduction to mindful breathing is simple yet effective, and completely kid-friendly.
[S.158.12083 Or88my]

Parr, Todd
The Peace Book. 2004 (Picture Book).
From taking a nap, to learning another language, to giving shoes to someone in need, this book explores many definitions of peace using the bold and colorful illustrative style that all Todd Parr fans enjoy.
[SE. P246p]

Pinkney, Andrea David
Peace Warriors. 2013 (Nonfiction).
This chapter book provides biographies of six prolific peacemakers from across the globe: Mahatma Gandhi, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Complete with pictures and lots of information, this is a great book for those interested in learning about people of peace.
[S.327.172 P6565p]

Verde, Susan
I am Peace. 2017 (Picture Book).
This gentle journey from worry and anxiety to peace and serenity teaches readers that it is okay to slow down and find one’s feet again. A lesson in mindfulness applicable to readers of all ages, this is a great read for anyone who feels stressed from time to time.
[SE. V583iape]

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