Review by Kelyn -- I Can See Peace by Julie Penshorn
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[Following is a volunteer review of "I Can See Peace" by Julie Penshorn.]
[rbc=4]id311329-125[/rbc]
The emphasis in this book is on various methods children can use to recapture their sense of peace. The careful use of uncomplicated wording, soothing colors, and relatable moments is such that merely reading the book makes you feel peaceful and calm. Finding peace through nature and relationships are strong themes in this book. You initially see the children in the book during happy, calm moments such as a day at the beach, playing out in soft rain, or simply sitting under a tree and talking with a friend. The background colors on these pages are done in soft, gentle pastels. Illustrations have rounded, flowing lines. When chaos strikes, the color scheme turns to reds, stark blacks, and angular lines, clearly delineating them from the peaceful scenes.
Then comes a picture where a child realizes she has “… the power and tools to solve things peacefully.” (pg. 16) The following pages show various methods of mindfulness which children can use to achieve peace once again. These include calming breaths, interacting with nature, spending quiet time with loved ones, and even meditation. The book concedes that peace may not be immediate or easily found but assures children that if they keep trying, they will get there.
There is little not to like about this book. My favorite thing about it is that interwoven in the storyline is a subtle but effective message about caring for nature and the environment. It is beautifully and very effectively written to achieve its goals and its illustrations draw the reader in and make them want to stay forever in that moment. I love that the book is not only multiculturally diverse but also represents children with disabilities and those with critical/terminal illnesses. The ending pages of the book contain discussion guides and suitable activities for both home and school settings. They present opportunities to engage children on the topic of peace and are a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
The only thing I had difficulty with in this book was that some rhymes were really a reach and caused the sentences to sound a bit forced. One of these is the key phrase in the book: “I have the power and wisdom to[u]seek[/u] the tools to solve things [u]peacefully[/u] .” (pg. 16) Although children are likely to overlook it, the rhyme just doesn’t quite work. Other than that, it appears to have been professionally edited. Overall, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Its messages are presented in a clear, simple, and compelling manner which would engage almost any child. The follow-up tools it provides are unique and interesting.
I Can See Peace should be on every household bookshelf and in every pre-school and elementary classroom. Simple sentences and rhyming will encourage emerging readers and enhance fluency skills. Social service workers, counselors and other therapists would also do well to have a copy or two lying around the waiting areas and in their office. This book would be a wonderful tool to use with any child but would be especially helpful for those who have suffered trauma and those in whose lives it is difficult to find peace. Kudos to Ms. Penshorn for writing what is essentially a blueprint to peace for children.
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I Can See Peace
View: on Bookshelves |
Like Kelyn's review? Post a comment saying so!
The emphasis in this book is on various methods children can use to recapture their sense of peace. The careful use of uncomplicated wording, soothing colors, and relatable moments is such that merely reading the book makes you feel peaceful and calm. Finding peace through nature and relationships are strong themes in this book. You initially see the children in the book during happy, calm moments such as a day at the beach, playing out in soft rain, or simply sitting under a tree and talking with a friend. The background colors on these pages are done in soft, gentle pastels. Illustrations have rounded, flowing lines. When chaos strikes, the color scheme turns to reds, stark blacks, and angular lines, clearly delineating them from the peaceful scenes.
Then comes a picture where a child realizes she has “… the power and tools to solve things peacefully.” (pg. 16) The following pages show various methods of mindfulness which children can use to achieve peace once again. These include calming breaths, interacting with nature, spending quiet time with loved ones, and even meditation. The book concedes that peace may not be immediate or easily found but assures children that if they keep trying, they will get there.
There is little not to like about this book. My favorite thing about it is that interwoven in the storyline is a subtle but effective message about caring for nature and the environment. It is beautifully and very effectively written to achieve its goals and its illustrations draw the reader in and make them want to stay forever in that moment. I love that the book is not only multiculturally diverse but also represents children with disabilities and those with critical/terminal illnesses. The ending pages of the book contain discussion guides and suitable activities for both home and school settings. They present opportunities to engage children on the topic of peace and are a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
The only thing I had difficulty with in this book was that some rhymes were really a reach and caused the sentences to sound a bit forced. One of these is the key phrase in the book: “I have the power and wisdom to
I Can See Peace should be on every household bookshelf and in every pre-school and elementary classroom. Simple sentences and rhyming will encourage emerging readers and enhance fluency skills. Social service workers, counselors and other therapists would also do well to have a copy or two lying around the waiting areas and in their office. This book would be a wonderful tool to use with any child but would be especially helpful for those who have suffered trauma and those in whose lives it is difficult to find peace. Kudos to Ms. Penshorn for writing what is essentially a blueprint to peace for children.
******
I Can See Peace
View: on Bookshelves |
Like Kelyn's review? Post a comment saying so!
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