Naomi's Tree by Joy Kogawa illustrated by Ruth Ohi (Fitzhenry & Whiteside: Ontario Canada 2008)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other-peace with the environment

Migrating to Canada a young Japanese couple decide to plant a cherry tree in their new garden to remind them of their homeland. But as their family grows and war breaks out the cherry tree remains the symbol of hope and safety for many generations. (suitable for all ages) 

  In Search of the Thunder Dragon written and illustrated by Sophie and Romio Shrestha (Mandala Publishing: San Rafael California USA  2007)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other-peace with the environment

Happiness and peace pervade the mountainous kingdom of Bhutan, the country in which this story is set. The Bhutanese legend of the Thunder Dragon is interwoven in this story about two children who undertake their quest to search for it. Their courage and determination are rewarded. (more suitable for children under 12 years)

   One City, Two Brothers by Chris Smith illustrated by Aurelia Fronty (Barefoot Books:  Cambridge Massachusetts USA 2007)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other

This story is set in the time of King Solomon when he ruled Jerusalem. Two brothers who need to decide the fate of their father's land visit the temple seeking King Solomon's advice. They are told a story of how Jerusalem began and as a result the two brothers then know how to resolve their problem peacefully. (suitable for all ages) 

   Planting the Trees of Kenya written and illustrated by Claire A Nivola (Francis Foster Books: New York USA 2008)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other-peace with the environment

Clearing of land in Kenya led to untold problems for the people. Wangari Maathai, after returning from studying in America, realised that she needed to replant trees and teach her people how to care for the land and restore the healthy environment for the people to again thrive. (suitable for all ages)

 Mbobo Tree by Glenda Millard illustrated by Annie White (Scholastic Press: Lindfield NSW Australia 2009)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other-peace with the environment

This fascinating tale of a young girl, who has never spoken and a tree that gives life to the village. When the tree is in danger of being cut down the young girl finds her voice and inspires the whole village.

  Measuring Angels by Lesley Ely and illustrated by Polly Dunbar (Francis Lincoln Children's Books: London England 2008)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other

Sometimes friendship needs help to grow as do sunflowers. Two girls learn how to become friends and work together as they find ways to nurture their plant and encourage its growth. (more suitable for children under 9 years)

   Iffat and His Jumping Jellybean Shoelaces by Helene Stein-Anderson illustrated by Milli Jahier (Brolly Books: Victoria Australia 2008)

peace with ourselves

This story reminds us of the importance of being happy and positive and focussing upon what we can do despite our circumstances. (more suitable for children under 7 years)

  The Tear Thief by Carol Ann Duffy illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli (Barefoot Books: United Kingdom 2007)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other

This beautifully presented and heart warming story magically transforms a young girl's sadness and tears into hope and she finds peace in knowing that the Tear Thief will always pour her sack of tears into the light of the moon. (more suitable for children under 12 years)

   The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness written and Illustrated by Colin Thompson (Random House Australia: North Sydney NSW Australia 2008)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other

In this story we are reminded of the transformative power of love as a young boy and his grandmother rescue a dog from an animal shelter while also rescuing each other from loneliness. (more suitable for children under 12 years)

  The Woman Who Married a Bear retold by Elizabeth James illustrated by Atanas (Simply Read Books: Canada 2008)

peace with ourselves-peace with each other-peace with the environment

This is a beautifully illustrated ancient tale from the American Northwest Indians about a young woman who discovers the importance of respecting the natural environment. (suitable for all ages)

  Milton's Secret by Eckhart Tolle and Robert S Friedman illustrated by Frank Riccio (Namaste Publishing: Vancouver Canada & Hampton Roads Publishing Co: Charlottesville Virginia USA 2008)

peace with ourselves

Finding personal peace for a boy is difficult especially when he is bullied at school. A very special cat teaches the boy about the power of living in the moment rather than worrying about what might happen in the future. (more suitable for children under 12 years)

The following picture books are recommended for all ages:

They may also be found in children's bookshops, local or school libraries or second hand stores. The following list presents stories that have also been rated by us previously. Follow the links to find out more about the stories.

   Herb the Vegetarian Dragon by Jules Bass (Barefoot Books NY 1999)  

   Old Turtle by Douglas Wood illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee (Scholastic Press NY 1992)

   Old Turtle and the Broken Truth by Douglas Wood illustrated by Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press NY 2003)

   The Dream Dragon by Yvonne Winer (Margaret Hamilton Books Sydney 1998)

   The Dragon Test by June Crebbin and Polly Dunbar (Walker Books London 2003) 

   The Seed by Isabel Pin (North-South Books NY London Zurich 2001)

   Milo and the Magical Stones by Marcus Pfister (North-South Books NY 1997)

   The Magic Crystal by Brigitte Weninger and Robert Ingpen  (Penguin Young Readers New York NY  2003)

   The Whisperer by Nick Butterworth (HarperCollins Books Great Britain 2004)

  The Conquerors by David McKee (Andersen Press London 2004)

   The Three Questions by Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press NY 2002)

   Nine Dragons by George Herman (Tuttle Publishing Boston Massachusetts 2003)

   A True Person by Gabiann Marin and Jacqui Grantford (New Frontier Publishing French Forest NSW Aus 2007)

   Stone Soup by Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press NY 2003)

    The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau illustrated by Gail de Marcken (Orchard Books New York 2000)

    Heart of the Tiger by Glenda Millard illustrated by Gaye Chapman (Scholastic Press Australia 2004)

   Dancing the Boom Cha Cha Boogie by Narelle Oliver (Omnibus Scholastic Australia Malvern South Australia 2005)

   The Eagle and the Wren by Jane Goodall illustrated by Alexander Reichstein (North-South Books Switzerland 2000)

   Refugees by David Miller (Lothian Books Victoria Australia 2003)

  Mole Music by David McPhail (Henry Holt and Co New York 1999)

  The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley by Colin Thompson and Amy Lissiat  (Lothian Books Victoria 2005)

   Looking for Atlantis by Colin Thompson (Julia MacRae Books Random House London1993)

    The Burnt Stick by Anthony Hill illustrated by Mark Sofilas (Viking Books Australia 1994)

    The Gift by Libby Hathorn illustrated by Gregory Rogers (Random House Australia 2000)

    The Werewolf Knight by Jenny Wagner (Red Fox Sydney 1995)

    Ignis by Gina Wilson (Walker Books London 2001)

    The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams (HarperCollins 1st ed published in 1922 in US)

   The Island by John Hefferan and Peter Sheehan (Omnibus Scholastic Australia Malvern South Australia 2005)

   The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister (North-South Books New York 1992)

   Sun Mother Wakes the World by Diane Wolkstein and Bronwyn Bancroft (HarperCollins Publishers China 2004)

   Clancy the Courageous Cow by Lachie Hume (Omnibus Scholastic Australia Malvern South Australia 2006)

   Broken Bird by Michael Broad  (Puffin Books London 2006)

   The Giant King by Kathleen Pelley (Child and Family Press Washington DC 2003)

   King Midas and the Golden Touch by Charlotte Craft illustrated by K Y Craft  (HarperCollins 1999)

   The Last Clown by Colin Thompson (Hodder Children's Books Australia 2002)

   Wan Hu is in the Stars by Jennifer Armstrong (Tambourine Books NY 1995)