Pistes d'exploration

Discuss some of the ideas in the book, using one of the quotes or illustrations as a starting point.

Respond to one of the questions or quotes in the book.

Using one of the quotes as a starting point, write about a time when you made a difference. Give a clear example of what you did and how it made a difference.

Write a poem describing what it is like in a quiet, peaceful place that you know. Reread the dedication at the front of the book and use the five senses.

September 21 is the International Day of Peace. Share ideas about what you could do to highlight/celebrate this day. What could you do for a family member, friend or your school? Decide on a classroom challenge.

Listen to a song about peace. What message does it send?

Write about what peace means and draw a picture to illustrate your ideas. With peers, make a class list of the sentence starters inspired by the story (e.g. “For there to be peace in our classroom (hearts, schoolyard), we should.…”). Write your own sentence about peace.

Create a poster with a message about peace. Discuss images and colours that are associated with peace, that are inspired by the book (or not) and that could be included on the poster (e.g. dove, flowers, peace sign, peace flag).

Discuss the illustrations in the book. Make a list of actions that promote peace. Sort them into categories (individual or group actions, child or adult actions) Make an anchor chart to help remember your ideas.

Do a think-pair-share about the concept of peace, then create a related word web.

Choose a two-page spread from the book. Explain how each illustration is linked to the quotes.

After discussing peace symbols, design posters that promote peace (or a related idea). Use one of the quotes from the book, or a different one, on your poster. If you choose the latter, cite your source. Hang the posters around your school.

I Have the Right to Be a Child

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , children's rights , harmony , making peace , non-traditional text layout , peace

Commentaire descriptif

Beginning with the eternal question asked in the Tao Te Ching, How can we bring peace to the world?, this book is a poetic and empowering exploration of how to achieve peace, from the larger perspective of our nations and cities, to our local actions in schools, neighborhoods, homes, and hearts. Each double-spread page is filled with muted but detailed watercolour and pencil drawings depicting the world's natural and human habitats, and containing a simple but powerful message about the true path to peace. A circular narrative simplifies conflict resolution, making a sophisticated concept accessible even for young readers. Woven in among the calming illustrations are countless quotations by famous writers, peacemakers and philosophers (Confucius, Shakespeare, Mother Teresa, etc.) illustrated by a comic-style strip showing the principle of each quote. A richly thought-provoking text that readers can return to again and again.