Education – PICTURE BOOK POWER!

Hello, Picture Book Readers!

The “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” book club met to discuss freedom and universal human rights, a topic that sounds perhaps a bit grandiose for elementary children, but was something they seemed to view quite clearly as “the way things should be.” As we read and discussed the books listed below, we focused on answering the following questions: What are human rights and freedoms? What does it mean when someone talks about ALL HUMANS having universal rights?

Each book we read was published in partnership with Amnesty International in support of their work to protect human rights. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. They campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

After reading and discussing, together the book club kids concluded that the message we would take away was this: All humans have the right to a life that is peaceful, happy, and free.

Dreams of Freedom in Words and Pictures by Amnesty International

This inspirational book, following We Are All Born Free, contains 17 quotations about many different aspects of freedom, from the freedom to have an education to that not to be hurt or tortured, the freedom to have a home and the freedom to be yourself. All the chosen quotations are in simple words that can be understood by young children.

Authors of the quotations include: Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Anne Frank, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi and Malala Yousafzai. The book is illustrated by internationally acclaimed and award-winning illustrators, including Alexis Deacon, Chris Riddell, Ros Asquith, Jackie Morris and Shirin Adl from the UK, Barroux from France, Roger Mello from Brazil, Birgitta Sif from Iceland, aboriginal artist Sally Morgan from Australia and Mordicai Gerstein from the USA. The cover is illustrated by best-selling author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers.

We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures by Amnesty International

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed on 10th December 1948. It was compiled after World War Two to declare and protect the rights of all people from all countries. This beautiful collection, published 60 years on, celebrates each declaration with an illustration by an internationally-renowned artist or illustrator. Contains a foreword by David Tennant and John Boyne. Includes art work contributions from Axel Scheffler, Peter Sis, Satoshi Kitamura, Alan Lee, Polly Dunbar, Jackie Morris, Debi Gliori, Chris Riddell, Catherine and Laurence Anholt and many more!

Imagine by John Lennon and illustrated by Jean Jullien

Imagine all the people living life in peace.
You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.

Join one little pigeon as she sets out on a journey to spread a message of tolerance around the world. Featuring the lyrics of John Lennon’s iconic song and illustrations by the award-winning artist Jean Jullien, this poignant and timely picture book dares to imagine a world at peace.

World Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10, and this year, in 2018, it will be the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I encourage you to visit the website for the United Nations or Amnesty International to find out more about ways to get involved in standing up for other human beings.

What freedoms and rights do you feel are most important? What can we do to ensure ALL humans are guaranteed their rights? How will you and your children stand up for human rights?

Happy reading!

Hello Picture Book Readers!

The “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” book club met today to discuss youth activism. As we read and discussed the books listed below, we focused on answering the question, “In these stories, who is taking action or speaking up about something that is important to them?”

In each story, we saw examples of children taking important issues (such as civil rights, animal safety, and human rights) into their own hands and making a difference, being activists. We analyzed what they children in the stories were passionate about (or fighting for), and we discussed how exactly the children took action and made a difference. After reading, together the book club kids concluded that the message we would take away was this: When you care about something important, you speak up and take action.

Let the Children March written by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison

I couldn’t play on the same playground as the white kids.

I couldn’t go to their schools.

I couldn’t drink from their water fountains.

There were so many things I couldn’t do.

In the first week of May 1963, African American families gathered all around Birmingham, Alabama, to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. The people had come to plan, to organize, to mobilize, and to rally against the discriminatory Jim Crow laws that kept black people separate from white people. That week, thousands of children and teens volunteered to march for their civil rights in the place of their parents, who were fearful of losing their jobs.

Facing fear and hate, the courage and resilience of the children who marched in these protests changed the world in ways more monumental than they could have ever imagined.

Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Meilo So

Viv has a new home and a new school by the sea. Follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the South Carolina coast.

Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson team up to offer a story of the powerful difference young people can make in the world.

Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala written and illustrated by Lina Maslo

The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, from debut author/illustrator Lina Maslo.

When Malala Yousafzai was born, people shook their heads because girls were considered bad luck. But her father looked into her eyes and knew she could do anything.

In Pakistan, people said girls should not be educated. But Malala and her father were not afraid. She secretly went to school and spoke up for education in her country.

And even though an enemy tried to silence her powerful voice, she would not keep quiet. Malala traveled around the world to speak to girls and boys, to teachers, reporters, presidents, and queens—to anyone who would listen—and advocated for the right to education and equality of opportunity for every person. She would shout so that those without a voice could be heard. So everyone could be as free as a bird.

All around us today, we can find examples in the world of children and teenagers being activists, and it is inspiring. Kids are ready to take an active role in making a difference in the world through their words and actions. Ask the children in your life what it is that they care about passionately. How are you encouraging those children to speak out and take action to make a difference?

Happy reading!