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Peace Train: A beautifully illustrated children’s book about hope, peace and love – from the incredible singer-songwriter Cat Stevens!
The iconic song is now an incredible picture book! Celebrate fifty years of Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem with this joyfully illustrated picture book filled with hope, love, and the celebration of all cultures and identities.
(This ebook is optimised for Kindle tablets and the Kindle App. It is not suitable for e-Ink kindle devices, such as the PaperWhite. We recommend you download a sample to your device before purchase if in doubt.)
Fifty years ago Peace Train changed the world and defined a generation with its universal message of peace, hope and love between all people and cultures, and the heartfelt and heart-warming lyrics of this anthem have never been more relevant.
Illustrated by the bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, Cat Stevens’ iconic ode to harmony is now for the first time a joyously illustrated picture book perfect for spreading the love and sharing its timeless message with a whole new generation.
Hop on the Peace Train and join its growing group of passengers who are all ready to travel together to a better world of peace, kindness and human understanding.
(This ebook is optimised for Kindle tablets and the Kindle App. It is not suitable for e-Ink kindle devices, such as the PaperWhite. We recommend you download a sample to your device before purchase if in doubt.)
Fifty years ago Peace Train changed the world and defined a generation with its universal message of peace, hope and love between all people and cultures, and the heartfelt and heart-warming lyrics of this anthem have never been more relevant.
Illustrated by the bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, Cat Stevens’ iconic ode to harmony is now for the first time a joyously illustrated picture book perfect for spreading the love and sharing its timeless message with a whole new generation.
Hop on the Peace Train and join its growing group of passengers who are all ready to travel together to a better world of peace, kindness and human understanding.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
10 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 22, 2021
United in harmony and peace, the multi-cultural passengers hop on the peace train. Celebrating 50 years after Cat Stevens wrote the lyrics to Peace Train, the visuals burst forth vividly and joyfully. I love the song. However, transcribing the song’s words in this child’s illustrated book did not transition as well. I think it would be best as an audio and visual book instead of just reading it. 3.5 stars.
November 4, 2021
Read for my toddler’s nap time. Peace train is having all people of different colors and ethnicity live in peace.
Read from kindle unlimited.
Read from kindle unlimited.
March 22, 2023
M liked this one. Joel played the music and we listened along as we turned each page.
Read
October 25, 2022VoxBooks is very well suited to this. The music player is built in, with added narration. Turn it on, and listen to the guide tell you to listen to the song once, then listen and follow along turning pages. Now, I don't like the recorded voice as much as Stevens' original, but that may be a minor quibble.
Since I do know the song well, I have no idea how well the text worked in the book. But I do know that the illustrations are marvelous.
If you can only get an ordinary book, I suggest finding a recording of the original song and listening to it at least a couple of times before reading the book. Even I would have enjoyed it more, had I done so, instead of relying solely on my memory.
Can't rate because I don't know how much I'd like it if I didn't already love the song.
Since I do know the song well, I have no idea how well the text worked in the book. But I do know that the illustrations are marvelous.
If you can only get an ordinary book, I suggest finding a recording of the original song and listening to it at least a couple of times before reading the book. Even I would have enjoyed it more, had I done so, instead of relying solely on my memory.
Can't rate because I don't know how much I'd like it if I didn't already love the song.
August 7, 2021
Quick easy read. Fun too! Great for kids or to reach a yearly reading goal!
November 12, 2021
“Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come”
Yusuf İslam’ın 1971 yılında yazdığı, hit parçası “Peace Train”, Peter H. Reynolds’ın renkli illüstrasyonlarıyla kitaplaştırılmış.
Özellikle sapsarı tonlarda resmedilmiş sayfalar seyirlik. Şarkı sözünden mürekkep bu kısacık kitabı Ketebe Çocuk ciltli, güzel bir baskıyla sunmuş.
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come”
Yusuf İslam’ın 1971 yılında yazdığı, hit parçası “Peace Train”, Peter H. Reynolds’ın renkli illüstrasyonlarıyla kitaplaştırılmış.
Özellikle sapsarı tonlarda resmedilmiş sayfalar seyirlik. Şarkı sözünden mürekkep bu kısacık kitabı Ketebe Çocuk ciltli, güzel bir baskıyla sunmuş.
February 14, 2023
I love it when a picture book comes from a song. Great timing too, the book is dedicated to Greta Thunberg and all the children of the beautiful world. Kids are so stressed right now, and they need this.
September 22, 2024
Gorgeous illustrations. Sing it loud and proud. Welcome back, my old friend.
May 22, 2021
I’ve been so excited about this book and my signed copy from Peter H. Reynolds came today! I love the message of the song and Peter’s illustrations are joyful and filled with hope! So let’s all jump on board the Peace Train and fill our hearts with love and peace so we can spread this message throughout our world! ❤️☮️❤️☮️
April 11, 2022
Joyful, colorful picture book celebrates the promise and hope of a peaceful world. The lyrics adapt themselves a bit better to book format than some of the other songs in this series. Recommended!
June 2, 2021
First, I admit - I am a sucker for these picture books coming out that feature pop songs with a great message for kids. I love to sing along with them and cuddle with the grands looking and singing along with them. (Although this one is rather tricky!) Yusuf/Cat Stevens' classic anthem of peace was a big highlight at all of his concerts. The back vocals that came in and hand clapping just added so much.
Here we have the stripped lyrics of the song, with no repeats. Each stanza and refrain read aloud well (although I do read it in the same rhythm it is sung - big hint: watch a video of him performing it) and the plea for peace remains. They are as strong and relevant today as when they were written in the 1970's.
Harper was brilliant in pairing these words with the brilliance of Peter H. Reynolds to create a dream team in telling a powerful story of peace. Reynolds shows the song being sung by a young boy of color, strumming his guitar. His companions include a black bird and a white peace dove that appears to be sympatico with the yellow striped cat. The Peace Train pulls into the station - decked out with peace signs, rainbows, hearts and flower power galore present - where a very diverse group of adults and children wait to op on board. Of course, the Peace Train emits flowers - not air-polluting smoke out of its stack. Once aboard, the gang grooves to the train as it clacks down the tracks. When the train approaches a bridge out (during lyrics about hate in the world), the boy comes up with the perfect solution: playing/singing music strong enough for the train to pass over safely. My hat is off to Reynolds; the detailed endsheets appear hand-drawn and must have taken hours upon hours to complete. All artwork is colorful and eye-popping eye candy. Sweet!
An author's note completes the book. Although, I would add be sure to watch Stevens perform his song on the book trailer: https://youtu.be/Jk4Grh1tpR0
Be sure to include this in units about peace and harmony in the world.
Highly Recommended for Pre-School - grade 2.
Here we have the stripped lyrics of the song, with no repeats. Each stanza and refrain read aloud well (although I do read it in the same rhythm it is sung - big hint: watch a video of him performing it) and the plea for peace remains. They are as strong and relevant today as when they were written in the 1970's.
Harper was brilliant in pairing these words with the brilliance of Peter H. Reynolds to create a dream team in telling a powerful story of peace. Reynolds shows the song being sung by a young boy of color, strumming his guitar. His companions include a black bird and a white peace dove that appears to be sympatico with the yellow striped cat. The Peace Train pulls into the station - decked out with peace signs, rainbows, hearts and flower power galore present - where a very diverse group of adults and children wait to op on board. Of course, the Peace Train emits flowers - not air-polluting smoke out of its stack. Once aboard, the gang grooves to the train as it clacks down the tracks. When the train approaches a bridge out (during lyrics about hate in the world), the boy comes up with the perfect solution: playing/singing music strong enough for the train to pass over safely. My hat is off to Reynolds; the detailed endsheets appear hand-drawn and must have taken hours upon hours to complete. All artwork is colorful and eye-popping eye candy. Sweet!
An author's note completes the book. Although, I would add be sure to watch Stevens perform his song on the book trailer: https://youtu.be/Jk4Grh1tpR0
Be sure to include this in units about peace and harmony in the world.
Highly Recommended for Pre-School - grade 2.
March 9, 2022
Peace Train is a bold, beautiful, colorful book aimed at what the world needs at all times, peace. The original song was written in the 1970's by the author.
The song translated to the book is simple and heartfelt. If you are looking for major substance in a children's book, you won't find it here because it is in the simplicity that makes the message.
However, what really makes this book come alive is the illustrations. The main character singing is of course, the author himself running to joining the train. The cast of characters that follow in the turning of pages, come from all walks of life. The old, young, different religions, cultures, sexes, abilities, all join in love and harmony. all sing the main concept...peace.
This is a book worthy of showing to young children but the young at heart. It is worthy of sharing.
For the book, I am giving 4 stars not for the writer but for the illustrator.
Peace, love, and books,
Michelle
The song translated to the book is simple and heartfelt. If you are looking for major substance in a children's book, you won't find it here because it is in the simplicity that makes the message.
However, what really makes this book come alive is the illustrations. The main character singing is of course, the author himself running to joining the train. The cast of characters that follow in the turning of pages, come from all walks of life. The old, young, different religions, cultures, sexes, abilities, all join in love and harmony. all sing the main concept...peace.
This is a book worthy of showing to young children but the young at heart. It is worthy of sharing.
For the book, I am giving 4 stars not for the writer but for the illustrator.
Peace, love, and books,
Michelle
October 6, 2021
Peace Train by Cat Stevens; Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
The Peace Train is a colorful book with an amazing story. The book tells the story of a peace train that is bringing peace around the world. The peace trains trying to bring people out of the dark and into the light. The book describes the dark as the people that are hating in the world, and the peace train ride is bringing people back home to the better days. This book I believe is highly qualified for the Caldecott Award. The illustrations in this book are so vivid and colorful. I personally could not stop looking through the pages. The pages that talk about the darkness are dark, and the pages with the peace train are bright and lively. Making it easy to see the contrast in the dark and the light(peace train). Recommended for all ages!!
The Peace Train is a colorful book with an amazing story. The book tells the story of a peace train that is bringing peace around the world. The peace trains trying to bring people out of the dark and into the light. The book describes the dark as the people that are hating in the world, and the peace train ride is bringing people back home to the better days. This book I believe is highly qualified for the Caldecott Award. The illustrations in this book are so vivid and colorful. I personally could not stop looking through the pages. The pages that talk about the darkness are dark, and the pages with the peace train are bright and lively. Making it easy to see the contrast in the dark and the light(peace train). Recommended for all ages!!
April 1, 2023
Beautiful book. Captivates my preschoolers well, especially when I play the song with it.
Hard to keep up with the page turning and the music! But doesn’t seem to matter too much.
Great for all kinds of discussions. It is wonderful for one on one reading together, or small groups as the illustrations have a lot to look at.
Lovely discussions to be had based on the theme and illustrations.
Potential for some fabulous art work to be inspired by this book. I often play the song at tidy up time.
Children have been quite captured by all the people getting on the train together. They are also fascinated with the broken track and rich conversations arise about the healing and unifying power of music.
Absolutely love this book. Will be treasured and be revisited with each group of children I teach (across the age ranges) for my whole career. Timeless gold.
Hard to keep up with the page turning and the music! But doesn’t seem to matter too much.
Great for all kinds of discussions. It is wonderful for one on one reading together, or small groups as the illustrations have a lot to look at.
Lovely discussions to be had based on the theme and illustrations.
Potential for some fabulous art work to be inspired by this book. I often play the song at tidy up time.
Children have been quite captured by all the people getting on the train together. They are also fascinated with the broken track and rich conversations arise about the healing and unifying power of music.
Absolutely love this book. Will be treasured and be revisited with each group of children I teach (across the age ranges) for my whole career. Timeless gold.
July 2, 2024
Peace Train written by Yusuf/Cat Steven’s and illustrated by Peter Reynolds is a delightfully illustrated version of the popular 1970’s song by the same name. Come along for a ride on the peace train, where Steven’s imagines a place of love and peace. Reynolds’s trademark style of artwork includes hand lettered text and bright, colors. According to the book, Reynolds used, “love, peace, imagination, inspiration, and harmony to create the illustrations.” Includes a sweet author’s note as to why Cat Steven’s wrote “Peace Train” over 50 years ago. Be sure to look up the YouTube video of Steven’s singing the lyrics to the book. Listen to the song as you browse the book. You will be singing “Peace Train” for the rest of the day! Highly recommended.
March 8, 2022
an amazing book for our times. again
Listening to the song fifty years ago when the Vietnam body bag count continued to escalate, and there were horrific wars in Israel, India and the Congo.
Today we watch and shudder and cry anew as Russia seeks to subjugate Ukraine.
The song p, especially with fifty global artists bring home the essential necessity of getting on the Peace Train.
Listening to the song fifty years ago when the Vietnam body bag count continued to escalate, and there were horrific wars in Israel, India and the Congo.
Today we watch and shudder and cry anew as Russia seeks to subjugate Ukraine.
The song p, especially with fifty global artists bring home the essential necessity of getting on the Peace Train.
August 1, 2021
Any book illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is a treat in my eyes! I like the concept of the book, but the illustrations are simply the best. Diverse characters throughout the pages, striking use of colors, and the author's note letting the reader know the text is from the song are some of the things I liked best about this book! Recommend!
November 30, 2021
I loved the colorful, vibrant illustrations of Stevens' lyrics, as timely today as when he wrote them. The scenes of adults and children of all ages and races boarding the "peace train" are heartwarming, and the beauty of the lyrics melds with the beauty of the interactions depicted. A lovely book for his fans, old and new.
February 4, 2022
Have always loved the song - love the message - love his letter at the end - LOVE the beautiful, joyous, bold, colorful illustrations. Love the Peace Train boarding ticket at the front. Loved everything about his simple, yet simply BEAUTIFUL book. For children and grownups, the message still resounds.
February 18, 2022
Vivid tie-dye color illustrations were my favorite part. For me the lyrics did not flow until I found a youtube video of the song. (Found one with people from around the globe singing - that was spectacular!) This is a book that was meant to be sung, not read. (If sung, then gets a higher rating)
I read it to our self contained SpEd class. They liked the video/music and the pictures.
I read it to our self contained SpEd class. They liked the video/music and the pictures.
July 14, 2025
One of the best songs ever written.
Who would've guessed what 2025 would be like? Hope for peace is dwindling away ...
I'm a senior, but I'm sure kids will love it too!
The illustrations could not have been better. I already ordered and can't wait to get his new book in October!
His music will reverberate in the universe for all time.
🌱🌀☮️🛟☯️🌷🌿
Who would've guessed what 2025 would be like? Hope for peace is dwindling away ...
I'm a senior, but I'm sure kids will love it too!
The illustrations could not have been better. I already ordered and can't wait to get his new book in October!
His music will reverberate in the universe for all time.
🌱🌀☮️🛟☯️🌷🌿
June 9, 2021
Illustrated more than 50 years after the words were written, Peter Reynolds’ vibrant and joyous illustrations bring Cat Stevens’ powerful lyrics to life. Listened to the song as I paged through the illustrations. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end.
June 19, 2021
The concept of this book is what a better place the world would be if we could live without hate. If everyone would just decide to live in unity and peace. The author is singer/songwriter Cat stevens so the book has a singsong quality about it that I really loved.
September 19, 2021
This picture book features the lyrics of Cat Stevens', Peace Train.
Come on the peace train to learn how we can all live together as one.
A striking message to share with children from 5+ years.
Stunning artwork from Peter G Reynolds.
Come on the peace train to learn how we can all live together as one.
A striking message to share with children from 5+ years.
Stunning artwork from Peter G Reynolds.
May 26, 2022
This is a wonderful, vibrant book with an excellent message regardless of whether or not you know & love the song (which I do). Take it up a notch by finding the video & watching/listening to Cat sing the book. BEST. Can't wait to sing it to my granddaughter.
November 24, 2022
Working at a book fair for scholastic today, when I saw « Cat Stevens» on a book, I was like, what?!
THE ILLUSTRATION ARE SO PRECIOUS.
Oh, my, godness.
I love it.
But I was already a big fan of Cat Stevens, and Yusuf, so maybe I'm bias.
THE ILLUSTRATION ARE SO PRECIOUS.
Oh, my, godness.
I love it.
But I was already a big fan of Cat Stevens, and Yusuf, so maybe I'm bias.
June 24, 2023
Cat Stevens words brought to life by Peter Reynolds illustrations. Though I am not sure my students will cherish this song as I did many years ago, I do know they love everything Peter Reynolds has created thus far.
October 30, 2025
This book is beautifully illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. It makes a nice read-aloud as sung by author, Cat Steven’s in his read-aloud on YouTube. Also on YouTube is a wonderful version of the song sung by musicians shown from around the world.
November 3, 2025
Peter Reynolds does a wonderful job of illustrating the book to Cat Steven’s song Peace Train. Fabulous colors, outfits and abilities all very subtle but there to see and share with a young reader.
May 10, 2021
I've always loved this Cat Stevens song, and Peter Reynolds' illustrations bring the song to life. What a great way to share with little ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews