Peace Is an Offering. Annette LeBox. Pictures by Stephanie Graegin. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers (Distributed in Canada by Penguin Canada), 2015. 32 pp., hardcover, $18.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-4091-4. Subject Headings: Stories in rhyme. Peace-Fiction. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 4-7. Review by Alicia Cheng. **** /4

excerpt:

Peace is gratitude for simple things.
Light through a leaf, a dragonfly's wings.
A kiss on the cheek, raindrops and dew.
A walk in the park, a bowl of hot stew.

Peace is an Offering is a beautiful book of teaching children to spread kindness and peace in their communities. Children show great empathy in using small acts of kindness to show each other love and peace. This poem begins: "Peace is an offering which may be a muffin or a peach." It may be "a kiss on the cheek." It is the simplicity of small things that creates a peaceful atmosphere and a wonderful community of children actively looking out for each other.

      LeBox has created a heartwarming poem along with Graegin's soothing illustrations. The illustrations perfectly display the poem's message of evoking empathy and an appreciation for all natural things. The illustrations show a multicultural neighbourhood which greatly reflects the diverse community we live in. Peace is an Offering provides a rejuvenating message that brings hope compared to the conflicts we see in today's social media and newspapers. This meditative poem is highly recommended for children and families of all ages.

Highly Recommended.

Alicia Cheng is a Children's Librarian at Vancouver Public Library in Vancouver, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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