Talk Peace

by Sam Williams, Mique Moriuchi (Illustrator)

Illustrations and easy-to-read text of a playful and inventive book call for all people of the world, wherever they are and whatever they are doing, to talk peace.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Sam William’s expressive, appealing and soft illustrations have appeared in numerous young books, including Ballet Kitty; (Boxer Books) Cold Little Duck, Duck, Duck (Greenwillow) and Little Red by Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York (Simon and Schuster).

He is the author of Talk Peace and That’s Love (Holiday House). Sam divides his time between London, Brooklyn, and the east coast of England. His latest book, 10 Blue Butterflies has just been published.

Reviews

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intent of this book is beautiful as is the presentation and pictures. The text rhymes and contains opposites and word-pictures to very quickly and simply give a message of tolerance, understanding and diversity. For me the text was even over-simple and I was torn about the "Look at race/in the face" phrase, although I think it is true that we can only deconstruct prejudice by being honest and upfront about it, the use of the word "race" in such an oversimplified context seems to me to be problematical. But "colour blind" rhetoric is both hypocritical and damaging in the long run I know. Without wanting to sound like a developmentalist, are children with their growing but tiny vocab ready to use a word like "race"? Might it have been better (in view of the simpleness of the text) to let the pictures only give that particular message?

I haven't used this with children, I think while four year olds (like I work with) might enjoy aspects of it, the target audience is 2-3 years old. My reservation is more question than critique so despite the simplicity I give this book 4 to 4 1/2 stars!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poem in this book is confusing, but the overall effect is still sweet.

[Kathleen Lance]

This book tells how to talk to peace to those all around you. The message is that we should strive to talk peace in every aspect of life and in every each place we live or visit. The author stresses that peace is the best form of universal communication and that we all are blessed by the presence of peace.

I personally loved this book. I think it sends a very important message to readers in a simple way, while still being very effective. The illustrations weren't my favorite, but they weren't terrible. Bright colors filled each page with fun patterns and shapes as well.

This book would be a great addition to a classroom library because teachers could use this story to explain to young students the importance of peace in the world. Especially growing up in this day and age, the importance of teaching about peace to young students is a curtail aspect of a child's learning. After the story, the students could maybe write what they believe peace looks like and how people can talk peace around them.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, yet powerful international book that teaches the concept of peace. The characters demonstrate how to talk in peaceful ways around the community. I read a review from School Library Journal on titlewave saying that with V. Radunsky and Todd Parr's books about peace, that this book may not be worth adding to a collection. I say that it should be part of a collection and theme promoting peace among children. It describes peace in simple terms. Concepts such as Peace are sometimes abstract for young children. And any literal way that can be presented to students is worth it.

[Dolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a very nice premise and I really wanted to like it. But the poem only sort of rhymes (I personally think it should either rhyme or not, but not a mixture of both) And while the narrative is somewhat lyrical, it's not very engaging. Once again, it's a nice idea, it just wasn't executed as well as it could've been.

[Ruth Ann]

Meet children and animals from around the world as the author encourages us to understand foreign lands and look "race in the face." A book that appeals to the humanity in all of us, no matter our size, location, or dress.

[Jpickering · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great, I think, for expressing to all how to treat all people with respect and to talk kindly to one another. Whether you are an animal, human, or plant you should always talk kindly. I think the book provides a positive message to young readers.

[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations and easy-to-read text call for all people of the world, wherever they are and whatever they are doing, to talk peace. www.hcpl.net

This book would work will in Montessori.

[Jessica Bearden · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It talked about being nice to people but it wasn't great.

[Michelle Nero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the premise of the book, but I thought it failed to deliver with a bigger punch!

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am all for peace, but this book in no way talks about what peace is or how to talk about it. This book is just a platitude.

[Slaa!!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this so much!!

[Hannah]

Meh.

[Madison Stockbridge]

This book is about teaching children to talk about peace everywhere they go. I think this book would be good for k-1st. I think it would be good for these grades because it is an easy ready and its a good lesson. I think it would be really good for 1st grade because the students could be able to read it on their own.