Sometimes we need a book that lets us sit and ponder and exist free of our normal boundaries. Today, in honor of International Peace Day, we review two books by Brendan Wensel that do just that.
Brendan Wensel won the Caldecott Medal for his book, They all Saw a Cat (Chronicle Books 2016). This simple, but profound, picture book follows a cat “all whiskers, ears, and paws” as it travels from page to page. On each page, a different living creature sees the cat, but from their own unique perspective. In some cases, the cat is seen as small and weak and in others as large and ferocious. But yes, they all saw a cat.
This book is a perfect introduction to the way our perspective and beliefs affect how we see and interact with others.
The book ties in well with lessons addressing:
The second picture book, A Stone Stood Still (Chronicle Books, 2019), uses the same premise, except this time the main character is a stone. As birds, and insects and animals visit the stone each of them sees something different – a home, a place of rest, tool, an island.
This book shows another way our personal perspective can affect how we value and interact with the natural world.
This book ties in well with lessons that address:
Importance of Empathy
Being able to see things from the perspective of others is the first step toward becoming a more empathetic, caring person. Caring people do not bully nor do violence to others. They come to the aid of others in need. They work toward world peace.
Right now, the world is full of groups of people who only see what fits their personal perspective, such as:
- People who are different coming to take away what they have.
- Nuclear weapons and large armies keep them safe.
- War is inevitable, so they should attack first.
These kinds of beliefs make the world a more dangerous place. They endanger not only people living now, but our future generations as well. If you agree, take time tomorrow to speak out for peace anyway that you can.
Join a Peace Activity
2020 GLOBAL PEACE DAY THEME: “Shaping Peace Together”
Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Join us so that we can shape peace together.
Minute of Silence at 12 noon your time. Stop and contemplate the joy a world completely at peace would be.
Wishing You Peace!
