The Hawk and the Dove

Paul Kor died in 2001, yet his work continues to deliver an inspiring call for peace through the Kids Can Press publication of his picture book, The Hawk and the Dove. Originally published in Israel, this edition of the book features Annette Appel’s English translation from the original Hebrew. The Hawk and the Dove is a beautifully simple yet creative book containing a heartfelt message of peace and hope. The hawk referred to in the book title is dejected at the ever-present threat of war. He changes his face and puts on gloves and becomes a peaceful dove. A world of war transforms into a world at peace.

Kor’s vibrantly colourful illustrations consist of cut and torn paper collage images. What’s more, the book features a cut-page design whereby every second page is reduced in size by one-third. This allows for the reader to see a small glimpse of the image that will next be revealed with the turn of a page. It also allows for the item of war (examples include a tank, missiles, and warships) to “miraculously” transform with the turn of the page into items of peace (the tank becomes a tractor ploughing a field; the bombs become colourful butterflies; warships become sail boats peacefully riding the waves).

The final pages of the book are dedicated to conveying information about the life of Paul Kor and his creation of The Hawk and the Dove. Those pages contain some drawings from his 1939 sketchpad when the Second World War broke out when Kor was 13-years-old. The sketches reveal that, even as a boy, the artist was exquisitely talented. Sadly, Kor’s lifetime was constantly marred by war. To his eternal credit, however, he used his talents to create an enduring message of peace that continues to convey its important lesson of hope even years after his death.