Stories of Peace and Kindness

"Gorgeous gift collection of stories from war-torn lands such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan focuses on peace and kindness. All sorts of themes could have been included but these are the qualities most sorely needed in these troubled times."

* The Bookseller *

“This diverse collection of folk tales including traditional stories from Ethiopia, China and Afghanistan is also ideal to use as a resource for primary school assembly storytelling or reading to whole class in KS2 PSHE. With enchanting illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini and lyrical text by Elizabeth Laird, Stories of Peace and Kindness is a wonderful storybook proponent of the maxim “be kind”.

-- Tom Tolkien * School Reading List *

"This book contains Elizabeth Laird’s lively retellings of seven folktales from various parts of the world... each of which is intended to inspire hope and reconciliation following recent conflict or war; and each of which is elegantly illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini... 

Rich in pattern, the illustrations are infused with a gentle humour that subtly convey both the futility of hostility and fighting, and the joy brought about by peace."

* Red Reading Hub *

"Well known for her excellent writing, Elizabeth Laird has re-told seven inspirational stories from around the world which illustrate the values of generosity, love and kindness... It is a beautiful book - a real must have for all story-lovers!

Full of fabulous illustrations, this collection would work really well for Guided Reading - or a short texts to use with a whole class... But perhaps these stories are best enjoyed in the way they always been enjoyed- as tales told to an enraptured audience!"

* Through The Bookshelf *

"This is a really beautifully written and illustrated book with a traditional children’s picture book feel to it, even though each fable’s theme is contemporary...

The importance of being kind to others and peace and kindness really does shine through these tales which are very similar in style and content to Aesop’s fables... the mixed media style illustrations, being both drawn and collage, are a lovely inspiration for many collage-style art projects."

* Nursery World *

"Children will love this book; it is a thing of beauty. The illustrations intrigue and demand explanations. They will draw new readers into these ancient tales and ensure that the stories continue to speak fresh wisdom into a world that needs kindness."

* Just Imagine *

"The strong, stylised images show the people, their lives and experiences, where foolishness or greed are always overcome by wisdom and compassion... Mehrdokht Amini uses colour skilfully to evoke sorrow, conflict and enlightenment... The rhythms, cadences and graceful prose of the stories means they are ideal for read-aloud sessions with children from 7 upwards and, as with many traditional stories, will repay much discussion and revisiting."

* English Associati