Julie D Penshorn
This award-winning, multicultural children's book won the Gold Medal in the 'Health' category and is the Indie Human Relations Peace book of the Year (2018), surpassing adult's and children's books. It shows that even a child with arguing parents, severe illness, or in conflict with bully, can find ways back to peace and can restore mental health.In situations where peace could be hard to find, children learn to seek peace using mindful breathing, meditation, conflict resolution and more. Realistic scenarios help children believe that peace can be found if they seek it. This book is a profound visual and inspirational journey for children. Jeanine-Jonee Keith has drawn children of all sorts of ethnic backgrounds appreciating the planet’s wonderful beauty, even when they are surrounded by poverty, personal challenges, or interpersonal conflict. The book merits many readings, as the pictures say much more than the words alone.Children learn that peace is all around them and can be found in some unexpected places. Sometimes it can be difficult to see peace, but even when it is interrupted, “I have the power and the wisdom to seek the tools to solve things peacefully.”When strong emotions hit us like lightning bolts, it can be very frightening. This book shows children in traumatic situations others can relate to, learning to deal with their strong emotions and get back to peace.The included parent and teacher guide helps adults and children gain a deeper understanding of the concepts. The music notation for the “I Smile at Myself” song is included. 3
