n  b  n

War has the potential to create some of the worst circumstances for families to endure. Probably the worst affected are the children. Their innocence becomes tarnished; their friends become few and their outside playing seems to be a thing of the past. How can we, as parents, enlighten our children about war and explain the aspects of peace that can come out of war?

Below are two outstanding books that will surely help to make clearer the aspects of lives that have been disrupted by war, and some books about peace.

“The Librarian of Basra, A True Story From Iraq", by Jeanette Winter, is a non-fiction picture book telling the story of saving books in Basra before the war broke out. Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in this seaside city in Iraq. When she first learned that the war was about to begin, she worried about all of her precious books. She asked the governor if she could move them to a safer place. He refused. So, she took it upon herself to relocate the books. Each night, she placed piles and piles of books into her car where she took them home for what she hoped was safekeeping.

Before long, the war reached Basra and she was left alone to protect the library while others left for safety. With the help of her neighbor, a restaurant owner, his brothers and other shopkeepers, she moved the rest of the books to the restaurant. Nine days later the library burned to the ground. It then becomes clear that she must move the rest of the books to her house, which she accomplishes. There are so many books now in her house that there is little room for anything else. But the books are safe. And Alia waits for war to end and dreams of a new building for her precious books.

Ms. Winter first read about this true story in an article in the New York Times. She felt inspired to write about this hero who valued books so much that she was willing to put her life on the line. Harcourt (the publishers) is donating a portion of the proceeds made from this book to help rebuild Basra’s library. There couldn't be a better way to support books and peace than to buy this outstanding book! It is perfect for all ages!

n  b  n

“Fish", by L. S. Matthews, is a fictional story with a setting in a third-world country that is told through the eyes of a boy, Tiger, who has spent most of his young life living there, as his parents are aid workers helping the people in this small village. The country has seen much devastation because of drought, and then floods, and now war. As the rumors of war reach their village, many people flee to neighboring countries, but the parents remain. Now, the time is critical. Tiger’s parents feel that they've waited too long to escape, but now must begin their journey on foot.

Tiger finds a lone fish in a puddle just before they are ready to set out. He insists that he must save this fish. Mom recognizes his determination and helps him place this small brown fish in a pot and straps it to Tiger’s back.

The events that follow as these three attempt to escape the war, that seems to be just behind them, will have you and your 10 year old and up turning the pages and not wanting to stop until the end. Tiger has to keep reinventing ways to keep his fish alive all the while struggling to make it to the border himself. They have enlisted a guide to help them navigate to safety. This kind guide brings another element to the story - and to war itself.

The realities of war are on the heels of this story. The brutality and sacrifices that Tiger and his parents encounter aren't too harsh, but are necessary to enlighten the effects war has on everyone involved. There is much symbolism involved in the story that could effectively encourage an interesting discussion. But even without discussing the many layers of the drama, the story holds its own and certainly presents much more awareness of the many countries that are struggling for freedom and the necessities of life.

n  b  n

Lastly, I'll mention three picture books that celebrate peace. “There’s A Big, Beautiful World Out There!", by Nancy Carlson, was written soon after September 11, 2001. She wrote this book to help children see that through destruction and disasters, there is still much to look forward to in life. “What Does Peace Feel Like?", by V. Radunsky, explores what children really think of peace through their five senses.  “The Peace Book", by Todd Parr, will have your child feeling peaceful just reading this bright book about peace!