Peter's Power

by Shirley Johnston, Chad Thompson (Illustrator)

Overview

Peter's family doesn't have a lot of money, but that doesn't stop him from helping others in need. When a new boy named Mark starts at Peter's school and has no lunch to eat, Peter shares his two homemade slices of bread with him. Mark reveals his parents can't find any work, so they can't afford food. But Peter has a plan to help his new friend-a plan that may just help everyone get what they need.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781039168039
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	05/30/2023
Pages:	28
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.08(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 6 Years

About the Author

Shirley Johnston is a mother, grandmother, and aunt who has a passion for helping others with their problems and teaching children through stories. She has two children and four grandchildren, whom she loves to spoil with handmade gifts, and enjoys gardening and collecting shells on the beach with her grandkids in her downtime. Shirley currently lives in White Rock, Canada, with her husband Patrick.

Editorial Reviews

2023-08-24
Elementary-schooler Peter starts a chain reaction of generosity by giving his lunch away in Johnston’s debut picture book.

Peter is the new kid at school, and he sticks out for a reason: His family is poor. His father is a shoemaker, and his mother is a breadmaker; together they make ends meet as best they can. One day Peter reveals during lunchtime that all he has to eat are two slices of bread, and the other kids tease him. Later he meets a student who has no lunch at all: “My name is Mark, and I am so hungry. My mom and dad have no work because there aren’t any jobs available.” Peter shares his bread with Mark, which inspires his mother to begin baking bread especially for Mark’s family. These actions spark a series of good deeds that ultimately benefit both Peter’s and Mark’s families. Johnston’s moral tale is simple and inspiring. There are some improbable aspects; it seems unlikely that Peter’s family could financially support Mark’s. Maddi’s Fridgeby Lois Brandt plays on the same themes, but maintains focus on acts of kindness where Johnston does not. Thompson’s illustrations are full of bright colors with cartoon-like characters whose positioning interplays with the text, such as when the words “They were all so happy,” curve up the side of a tree.

A middling morality story despite a strong message about the power of a single act of kindness.

Kirkus Reviews