The Peace Book
By Todd Parr

     The world can be a very violent place to live in sometimes. Therefore, if we want to hope for a more peaceful future, perhaps we should take note of author Todd Parr’s excellent, “The Peace Book”. A writer best known for writing picture books that deal with diversity and emotions, Parr has switched focus to bring us a work that explores what the word “peace” really means. Its heavy subject matter for small children to deal with, but Parr handles his topic with the customary wit and whimsy his fans have come to expect from him.

       The book contains a series of definitive statements, each describing what “peace” really is. Some of these definitions are familiar ones like, “Peace is saying you’re sorry when you hurt someone”. Others give the reader a little more to think about. After you’ve read, “Peace is reading all different kinds of books”, and, “Peace is everyone having a home”, you realize that Parr’s idea of peace is far more widespread than a simple, “be nice to everyone”. Through this book, kids will understand that taking an active interest in the world around them is the best way to spread love and friendship (and, hence, peace). Parr’s deceptively simple pictures and words belie another way of thinking about peace for both children and adults. It takes quite a bit of talent to simplify a message without watering it down. Parr is talented indeed.

     “The Peace Book” spreads a message of compassion that everyone can enjoy. In addition, I like to think that if everybody took Parr’s picture book to heart, the world would be a far less violent place in which to live. Kids reading this book can feel good about its staid and steady message. Adults buying this book can feel good that a portion of its proceeds go towards UNICEF. At last, we have a book that makes everybody feel good in all the right ways.

     That is Parr’s gift to us.