8 Lovely Children’s Books About Peace

The Peace Book, by Todd Parr
This book will give young children a helpful understanding of peace. With colorful pictures and simple prose, Parr explains peace in terms of helping a neighbor, making new friends, keeping streets clean, or listening to music. Peace becomes less of an immaterial concept and more of a concrete way for children to emulate peacefulness with actions. (3-6 years)

Peace is an Offering, by Annette LeBox and Stephanie Graegin
For children concerned with war, mass shootings, and unrest in our society, this book will help ease their fears and remind them that there are peaceful, and helpful, people everywhere. This lovely illustrated story stresses to readers that people try to be good to one another. The reminder that for the most part we all coexist together in a caring and calm community is an excellent, and timely, message of peace for you and your children. (3-5 years)

Peace, by Wendy Anderson Halperin
Expanding on the eastern philosophies behind peace, this book explains that the path to peace begins from within, making it wonderful choice to share with your children when discussing bullying, conflict, or inappropriate actions. Soft, lush illustrations and famous quotes from peacemakers around the world adorn the pages and lend to the larger message of this soothing picture book. (4-8 years)

What Does Peace Feel Like?, by Vladimir Radunsky
This charming book reveals children’s answers on peace as it relates to the five senses. What does peace feel like, taste like, sound like, smell like, and look like? Radunsky explores this concept with several children from a school in Rome. This artful book is an excellent starting point for a discussion on peace in your home and community. It also features the word “peace” represented in almost 200 different languages. (4-8 years)

Peace Week in Miss Fox’s Class, by Eileen Spinelli and Anne Kennedy
Cartoonish critters are creating havoc in Miss Fox’s classroom, so she declares a Peace Week. No more squabbling, saying mean things, fighting, or teasing. Throughout the entire week, each student has an opportunity to practice peace and learn new behaviors, such as complimenting and helping one another. After you’ve read it with your kid, why not pass it on to your child’s teacher—every classroom could use a Peace Week! (5-8 years)

Jubilee! One Man’s Big, Bold, and Very, Very Loud Celebration of Peace, by Alicia Potter and Matt Tavares
In 1869, a bandleader by the name of Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore created the National Peace Jubilee to commemorate and celebrate the end of the Civil War. While twelve cannons, forty church bells, one thousand musicians, and ten thousand singers does not exactly sounds peaceful, it was the joy of the music that brought peace to many. The power of music continues to bring peace to many today. (7-10 years)

Peace Pool Magic, by Diane G. Tillman
Older readers will enjoy this modern day folk tale set in Hawaii. Facing modern day middle school troubles from mean kids and bullies, Mana discovers old world mystery with the mystical Menehunes of Hawaii. They teach him about peace and self-respect. They also teach him about the achievements kids are capable of when they are determined to be the difference in their own world. (9-12 years)

Let There Be Peace on Earth: And Let It Begin with Me, by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
A quintessential song about peace that is beloved around the world, this 1955 ballad has touched many people’s lives. Available in a hardcover picture book, the lyrics accompany colorful artwork and share the message that we can all create peace and take part in making our world more peaceful: Each one of us can make a difference. A 12-track disc accompanies the book with numerous artists contributing their versions of this classic song. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with your child. (All ages)
What books do you read with your child that explore peace?