Picture Books for Peacemakers

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Sow seeds of peace one story at a time.

What is peace? Is it something you feel in your heart? Is it something you try to create in the world around you? Help children of all ages answer these questions with this growing collection of picture books.


Conversation Starters

  •  What does "peace" mean to you?

  • How can your family work for peace?

  • What tasks do you find calming or meditative?

  • What situations do you find upsetting or overwhelming?

  • Can we brainstorm ways you might remind yourself of your quiet places in times of conflict?


Featured Title

Peace by Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul
Don’t let the short text and familiar style fool you. This lyrical poem, with beautiful illustrations from Esteli Meza, presents bold ideas worth talking about with your young reader. Check it out!

Peace is on purpose.
Peace is a choice.
Peace lets the smallest of us
have a voice.


More DGT Favorites

The Children's Peace Book: Children Around the World Share Their Dreams of Peace in Words and Pictures by Jolene DeLisai.
This book is sure to get your family talking and thinking about different paths to peace.

For Every Child by Caroline Castle
Using simple text and illustrations from acclaimed artists, this book portrays 14 of the principles of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson
This unforgettable parable shows us how reconciliation saves everyone.

Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi
Discover how to turn darkness (anger) into light in this unique book about the famous peacemaker.

A Little Peace by Barbara Kerley
This book from National Geographic illustrates the world our children will inherit and affirms that we all have a role to play in creating a more peaceful life.

I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds
For there to be peace in the world, there must be peace in our hearts, and this gentle book offers a gentle introduction to mindfulness and inner peace. It reminds us all to breathe, notice the world around us, share kindness, and be present in the here and now.

Jubilee!: One Man's Big, Bold, and Very, Very Loud Celebration of Peace by Alicia Potter
The power of music brings peace to the weary hearts of Americans at the end of the Civil War.

Let There Be Peace: Prayers from Around the World by Jeremy Brooks
This thought-provoking collection of peace prayers connect children with a wonderfully diverse, yet unified wish for the world.

Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos
Equal parts silly and sweet, this fun tale is sure to add heart and giggles to storytime. Pair this book with a quick act of kindness for a fun, family adventure.

Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin
Through a collection of inspiring quotations, this book explores the question "How can we bring peace to the world?"

Peace and Me: Inspired by the Lives of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates by Ali Winter and Micakel El Fathi
This illustrated collection of inspirational ideas about peace illuminates the lives of 12 remarkable Nobel Peace Price Laureates. This book is sure to elevate your conversation about peace: “Peace is helping those in trouble, making sure everyone has a home, giving people the skills to thrive…” Ages 8 and up.

The Peace Bell by Margi Preus
Yuko’s grandmother never expects to see her town’s temple bell again when it is taken away to be used as scrap metal during World War II, but it is later found and returned as a gesture of friendship by the United States. Based on the true story of the American-Japanese Friendship Peace Bell.

The Peace Book by Todd Parr
In this cheerful, brightly-colored picture book, Todd Parr explains the concept of peace in words that children will understand.

The Peace Stick by Nidhi Misra
Can a stick solve an argument? Discover how with this sweet retelling of the Native American legend The Talking Stick.

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox
A group of neighborhood kids discovers peace in the beautiful world around them. This poetic book will open your eyes to the world around you. 

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
The story of a gentle bull who would much rather sit under a tree smelling the flowers than fighting with the other bulls.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter
The story of Wangari Maathai, the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner who has planted over 30 million trees in Kenya.

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky
Peace comes alive through the voices of children from around the world in this deliciously descriptive book.

We Are All Born Free by Amnesty International
We Are All Born Free is an illustrated, commemorative edition of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly after the atrocities of World War II. Royalties from the sale of the book are donated to Amnesty International.

World Pizza by Cece Meng
When mom wishes on a star for world peace, a wayward sneeze causes a hilarious mixup. Readers will giggle at the different pizzas landing in places all over the world - real and imagined. This story offers the perfecting launchpad for a conversation about how we can spread peace.

Putting Peace First: 7 Commitments to Change the World by Eric David Dawson
There is so much wisdom - and many inspiring, well-told stories - in this book. It’s perfect for kids ages 9 and up, as well as teachers and parents interested in inspiring young peacemakers.

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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.