Gift Ideas:
At Christmas or Anytime

A friend's young teenage son has enjoyed this book, though it is likely geared toward older students-a fantastic collection for the "long haul." It provides an interdisciplinary sampling of classic articles and short literary selections on the diverse aspects of peace and conflict studies: the causes of war and proposed means of preventing it, so called "negative peace," and the universal concern for positive peace.

The material examines nonviolence movements, peace movements, religious inspirations, and our future prospects for peace. Contributors include Johan Galtung, Kenneth Boulding, Elise Boulding, and Alva Mydral. Contemporary pieces by Jonathan Schell, Richard Falk, Betty Reardon, and Vaclav Havel, and timeless classics from Leo Tolstoy, the Bhagavad Gita, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and Thoreau are included as well. The book's balanced and unbiased approach makes it easily adaptable to both general discussions of peace and conflict as well as the rapidly changing issues of the moment. Each selection is prefaced by a short introduction highlighting the author's background, the work's historical context, and the selection's significance in terms of the "big picture." Study questions and a list of suggested readings at the end of each selection also provide a useful resource for students. (Adapted from Amazon review)

Each page of this book is brilliantly illustrated, including prayers for morning, mealtime, New Year, bedtime, etc. and a book list at the end on festivals, world religions, prayers, and blessings. Note that there are prayers from many religious traditions included (Jewish, Native American, etc.).

Floyd Cooper has added beautiful, life-like illustrations to this poetic, simple text--left unpublished at the time of Brown's death in 1952. The large pages show the Christmas story with AFrican characters and a multicultural cast of angels and wise men...

Roth offers clear reasoning and current examples in response to pressing questions of our day: What are clues to what Jesus would do in the face of swirling fears, anger, and helplessness after the attacks of 9/11/01? What was Jesus' role in the maelstrom of first century Palestinian politics? Is the nonviolent way of Jesus completely unrealistic? Do Christians really have anything different to offer the world than strategies based on power and coercion? How might a Christian's trust in God redefine allegiance to his or her nation?

Farmer Brown's cows find an old typewriter and begin typing. To the harassed farmer's dismay, his communicative cows quickly become contentious:

Dear Farmer Brown,
The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets.

Sincerely,
The Cows

When he refuses to comply, the cows take action. Farmer Brown finds another note on the barn door: "Sorry. We're closed. No milk today." Soon the striking cows and Farmer Brown are forced to reach a mutually agreeable compromise, with the help of an impartial party--the duck. This hilarious tale gives a taste of the power of peaceful protest and the satisfaction of cooperative give and take. Witty watercolors by award-winning illustrator Betsy Lewin. (Caldecott Honor book.) (Review adapted from Amazon.)

This video is taken from a true story. A Japanese reviewer writes, " This charming small film, first ever produced in Bhutan, shows the slice of life in a monastery on the Tibetian mountainside, where novice boy monk Orgyen, while being trained to learn the teaching of Buddism, is so eager to watch the World Cup final between Brazil and France that he tries to get the master's permission. But can he?

The drama is directed by a respected monk who knows how to make a good film. The Cup not only lets you get inside the life of monastery, but presents a colorful, well-drawn characters as if recording their daily lives. It shows us the life among the Tibetian mountains that is not totally free from Western civilizations. The film also shows the glimpse of political climate around Tibet; two of the monks there are exiles from Tibet, and the Abbot, after long absence from his home, always dreams of going back, packing his things in the room.

Though the director is born in Bhutan, the film is in fact shot in the north part of India, with all actual monks. So the kind-hearted Abbot is played by himself, so is Geko, a bit strict teacher and master at the monastery. Most of the monks are actually living in the monastery where the film is shot, so Jamyang Lordo, as the cute main boy character, is really studying at this place. Besides these facts, the moody photography capturing the beautiful and serene country renders this wonderful film all the more authentic. Speaking of authenticity, the boy monk Lordo is really the son of Orgyen Tobgyal, as Geko. And though the music is sparce, you can hear the traditional singing style of "Hoomii," buzzing-like voice as if uttering high and low voice together." (Cannes Film Festival Selection, 1999) More info at: http://www.the-cup.com.

It was the perfect summer. That is, until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became Enemy Number One. Luckily, Dad has a surefire way to get rid of enemies--Enemy Pie. But one of the secret ingredients is spending an entire day with the enemy!

New versions of old rhymes.

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick.
Jill be nimble, jump it too; if Jack can do it, so can you.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickles peppers…..
Candace Carter canned a case of candied carrots…

Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town….
Wee Wendy Winkie stands on the stair,
Watching and guarding the townspeople there.
If she sees danger she'll ring the town bell,
When peaceful she shouts,
"Eight o'clock and all's well!"

Hickety, pickety, my black hen,
She lays eggs for women and men.
Sometimes nine, sometimes ten,
Hickety, pickety, my black hen.

Some work better than others, a couple are didactic. (Forget it if you don't like changes made to the Mother Goose "canon"-- though change through time is part of all such folklore we have received!) One of the best parts of the book is the full-color, full-page illustrations where you can search for the characters in the poems on that spread.

Coming out of the PBS documentary "A Force More Powerful," this book has twelve chapters that detail the rich history of nonviolent movements that overthrew dictators, obstructed military invaders, and secured human rights. Sections cover Russia (1905); India; Poland; the Ruhrkampf (1923); Scandinavia (WWII); El Salvador (1944); Argentina and Chile; U.S. Civil Rights; South Africa; Philippines; the Intifada (1980s); China, Eastern Europe and Mongolia. Includes maps and photographs.

The accompanying website, http://www.pbs.org/weta/forcemorepowerful, was developed to support the documentary. It also shares background information on the film and 13 specific historical examples. Discusses what constitutes nonviolent action (as well as what it is not: passive, only for saints, dependent on the good will of others…).

In Kansas in 1941, America is entering WWII and 14-yr-old Will finds himself alienated from his friend Jim, a Mennonite, who does not believe in fighting for any reason. Gaeddert deftly handles complex issues: What does it mean to be a good Christian? How can harmony exist in a community of people with conflicting beliefs? Is pacifism a viable option in the face of evil? These are questions we need to continue addressing with our children.

A sequel to Click, Clack, Moo, this time, Duck and his farm friends are writing their outrageous demands with a pencil instead of a typewriter. Farmer Brown has decided to take a vacation, leaving his brother Bob to mind the farm: "I wrote everything down for you. Just follow my instructions and everything will be fine. But keep an eye on Duck. He's trouble." Duck and friends have shrewdly seized this chance to move on from collective bargaining to outright subterfuge: "Bob gave Duck a good long stare and went inside. He read the first note: 'Tuesday night is pizza night (not the frozen kind!). The hens prefer anchovies.'" Well, seems like a strange way to run a farm, but... "Twenty-nine minutes later there was hot pizza in the barn." (From Amazon review by Paul Hughes)

This book draws from diaries, letters, newspaper accounts, photographs and paintings to draw the reader into the lives of girls throughout American history, beginning with a chapter on "Understanding Gender." Includes information on African-American and Native American girls.

One of the better children's books out there on the subject of gratitude, this offers a traditional Mohawk prayer of thanksgiving to the world and to Mother Earth. It is beautifully illustrated and simply written. A reader from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory wrote, "I was blown away by this book and was proud to add it to my bookshelf. I am glad that publishers are letting REAL Native American writers and artists tell our own stories our own way. The Thanksgiving Address is a central component of Mohawk culture and I was proud to see this in the hands of my children."

These volumes include a short biography and sketch of heroes/heroines, along with three different episodes from their lives (each two-three pages). After each episode there is a saying related to a value, a scripture, and some questions for you to think about together. Fascinating glimpses into the lives of people who were taking their faith seriously.
Vol. 1: Gladys Aylward (missionary to China), William and Catherine Booth (Salvation Army founders), David Livingston, Martin Luther, Menno Simons, Mary Slessor (missionary to Calabar--southern Nigeria), William Tyndale, Harriet Tubman, and more. ISBN 1556617127
Vol. 2: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Elizabeth Fry (Friend ministering in prisons), Festo Kivengere (Uganda), Eric Liddell, Watchman Nee (China), John Newton, John Perkins, Amanda Smith (African-American ministering in England, India, and the U.S.), Corrie ten Boom, David Zeisberger (minister among Native Americans), and more. ISBN: 1556617135;
Vol. 3: Mary McLeod Bethune (African-American educator), William Bradford, George Washington Carver, Betty Greene (missionary pilot), Lottie Moon (China), Luis Palau (South America), St. Patrick, Rochunga Pudaite (India), Mother Teresa, and more. ISBN 1556610181
Vol. 4: Ricky and Sherialyn Byrdsong, Ben Carson (African-American surgeon), Eliza Davis George (Liberia), C. S. Lewis, Samson Occom (Native American), Panditi Ramabai (India), Joy Ridderhof (Gospel Recordings), Romulo Saune (Peru), John and Betty Stam (China), and more. ISBN 0764224255

Includes: I Got Shoes, African Numbers to 20, Tama Tama Tamali, Little David, Play on Your Harp, Numbers to 12 [Japanese], Freedom Now, Run Molly Run, Young and Positive (a rap), Numbers to 8 [Swahili], Deep Blue Sea, Shoo Fly--Don't Bother Me, Numbers 10 [French], Somagwaza, Freedom Train, Numbers to 16 [Spanish], Down the Road I Be Going, Look! Look! The Sun Woke Up, Spirit Lullaby. Amazon has music clips of the first four numbers.

Illustrated for children, the idea that, of the world-villages' 100 people, only 5 would be from the United States and Canada; 20 would earn less that a dollar a day; 17 would not know how to read or write; and just 24 would always have enough to eat.

A high school history and geography teacher wrote, "I have also taught first, fifth, and eighth grades and I know that this book would be popular even with six-year-olds, whether or not they fully grasped the concept. In my freshman geography class I cannot get through a page without a barrage of questions and comments. In addition, this book would stand on its own as a work of art; the fabulous illustrations draw the reader in to the village and beautifully enhance the story."

A researcher in the history of international education wrote, "It is one of the finest examples, in many decades, of books which provide a sensible, sensitive picture of the whole world, as it exists today, in a manner which treats the world's problems as human problems which must be treated in a human manner. Children and adults can all think in the 'scale' of a village… David Smith has used this concept of a 'village' of 100 people in workshops around the world for over a decade with great appreciation from many leaders in the field of international education." (Review adapted from Amazon.)

Great storytelling of the lives of Sojourner Truth, Biddy Mason, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Ella Josephine Baker, Mary McLeod Bethune, Dorothy Irene Height, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Shirley Chisolm.

Realistic, multicultural drawings of Jesus' life (angels of many skin tones) illustrate this paraphrase of Jesus life. The words to Carter's 1963 song, set to the Shaker melody, are done in calligraphy across the pages. The entire song with music is reprinted at the end, along with instructions to a simple dance.

"They cut me down and I leapt up high; I am the life that'll never, never die; I'll live in you if you'll live in me~ I am the Lord of the Dance said he."

This CD takes a bluegrass approach to peace songs. In it you'll hear old fiddle tunes with new lyrics by Bill Jolliff, a Quaker professor of English at George Fox University. He plays banjo, guitar, doghouse bass, fiddle, and autoharp, backed up most admirably by his son Jacob Henry on the mandolin (you'll never believe that he was just 10 when this recording was made). The two frequently appear at bluegrass festivals. The CD can be ordered from Bill at (503) 537-9475 or write to him at the university, 414 North Meridian, Newberg, OR 97132. Catchy, singable, danceable, and educational songs.

Madlenka lives in New York City. She's got good news to share and goes to tell the French baker, Indian news vendor, Italian ice-cream man, German lady who sits by her window, Latin-American greengrocer, and Asian shopkeeper-all without leaving her block. Cut-out shapes provide decorative frames that showcase intricate artwork and sights from different countries and cultures as Madlenka interacts with her neighbors.

Each two-page spread begins with a short paragraph about King, followed by a powerful sample of his own words. The text emphasizes his courage, commitment, and sacrifice, without sensationalizing his death in Memphis: "On his second day there, he was shot. He died." The book concludes with a reassuring reminder that his words are immortal. Readers are advised to use "Martin Luther King" as the search term to find more than 200 websites dedicated to King and the civil rights movement.

In honor of the United Nations-sponsored International Year of the Family in 1994, award-winning photojournalist Peter Menzel brought together 16 of the world's leading photographers to create a visual portrait of life in 30 nations. Photographers spent one week living with a "statistically average" family in each country, learning about their work, their attitudes toward their possessions, and their hopes for the future. Then a "big picture" shot of the family was taken outside the dwelling, surrounded by all their (many or few) material goods.

The book provides sidebars offering statistics and a brief history for each country, as well as personal notes from the photographers about their experiences. But it is the "big pictures" that tell most of the story. In one, a British family pauses before a meal of tea and crumpets under a cloudy sky. In another, wary Bosnians sit beside mattresses used as sniper barricades. A Malian family composed of a husband, his two wives, and their children rests before a few cooking and washing implements in golden afternoon light. Material World is a lesson in economics and geography, reminding us of the world's inequities, but also of humanity's common threads. (Review adapted from Amazon.)

"Not One Less is the story of rural China, poverty, and education. It is about a young girl who becomes a substitute teacher in a one room school house. She is told she will not get paid if any kids drop out. One kid does and this little girls goes across China to find her. The movie is more than a story of China. It is a universal story of education, poverty, children, and hope." (From Amazon reviewer Len Ornstein, a social studies teacher.)

"Zhang Yimou's tale of a plucky adolescent substitute teacher in a rural Chinese village, cast entirely with nonactors and shot on location, is an astute example of censorship politics. Taking on touchy issues with a veneer of can-do spirit and happy-ending fantasy, his film is at once rousing and eye-opening." (From Amazon reviewer Sean Axmaker)

This book explores costs of war and it's alternatives and reviews little-known facts about nonviolent examples in U.S. history, such as a plan for independence that would have avoided the Revolutionary War, but that lost by one vote (to avoid aspects that came about anyway, even with the war). The book portrays overlooked "original peacemakers," from Native American traditions; those involved in the anti-slavery movement, Civil War, reconstruction, and women's rights struggles; as well as efforts during the wars (including the ones "to end all wars" and "to make the world safe for democracy") in the 1900s.

Some of my nieces and nephews (ages 2-8) like to act this one out…. "Olivia, an Eloise-like pig, is good at singing 40 very loud songs and is very good at wearing people out. And scaring the living daylights out of her little brother, Ian, particularly when he copies her every move. She is also quite skilled at reproducing Jackson Pollock's 'Autumn Rhythm #30' on the walls at home. When her mother tucks her in at night and says, 'You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway,'Olivia precociously pronounces, 'I love you anyway too.'

Falconer does a fine job of letting the spare text set up the jokes for the visual punch lines--a dryly humorous interplay that adults will appreciate as much as children.

Preschoolers (and their parents) will see themselves in Olivia--a typical high-energy, over-the-top kid who likes the beach and Degas paintings, but hates naps. " (From Amazon reviewer Karin Snelson) (Caldecott Honor Book, 2001)

An inspiring collection from the past 85 years that provides helpful glimpses into various peacemaking contexts, providing a sense of loving and thoughtful continuity for peacemakers today. Included are: Gandhi, A. J. Muste, Thomas Merton, Shelley Douglass, Martin Niemoeller, Martin Luther King, Jr., Lanza del Vasto (leader of nonviolent movement in France), Andre and Magda Trocme, Thich Nhat Hanh, Danilo Dolci (known as the Gandhi of Sicily), Vincent Harding, and more. Sections include: The Vision of Peace, Witnesses for Peace, Spirit of Peace, Interracial Justice, Nonviolence in Action, and the Path of Reconciliation.

Songs by Pete Seeger, Holly Near, Sweet Honey in the Rock and more: Everybody is

Somebody, Turn the World Around, Kids' Peace Song (People come in different sizes, colors, shapes and names. Tho' we're different on the outside, inside I think we're the same!…), If I Had a Hammer, The Whale Gulch Rap (Peace is like a song, a song is like a thong, That binds us to the world, so let's sing along. Peace right now is what we need. There's lots of people we need to feed. Don't feed greed it grows like a weed. Pay attention to the earth and the people in need…). I appreciate most the Sweet Honey in the Rock rendition of Kahlil Gibran's poem "On Children." This is the only thing on the collection not particularly geared for children, in my view, but I don't mind them being introduced to the ideas! (Your children are not your children. They are the sons and the daughters of life longing for itself. They come through you but they are not from you, And though they're with you, they belong not to you…..)

This book includes a lot of ideas for dealing with various types of behaviors that often lead to conflicts. These ideas can complement your own and suit a variety of child and parent personality styles. Topics include: getting up, getting dressed, mealtimes, sibling problems, public behavior, aggression and fighting, compliance in general, responsibility, bad habits (lying, swearing, temper tantrums, spitting), fears and phobias, sleep disturbance, and school-related problems.

This charming fable for our times celebrates the joy of giving. A generous quiltmaker sews the most beautiful quilts in the world, then gives them away. A greedy king, his storehouse stuffed with treasures, yearns for something that will make him happy….and wants a quilt. The quiltmaker agrees, but only under certain conditions. Lavishly colorful illustrations include a quilt block pattern on each double page spread that ties in to the story. The publisher, author, and illustrator have dedicated one percent of the sales to "projects that implement the spirit of generosity portrayed by the quiltmaker." The theme is continued on the website: http://www.QuiltmakersGift.com.

This book (not so new, but new to me) looks at communication, conflict resolution, diversity, sex roles, media and toys, and global issues--with many specific family activities, information about family meetings, discipline strategies, and a chapter on literature with annotated book lists.

The author writes, "This book is my best understanding of what Native and non-Native people have been to one another in this country. As a nation-and for each of us alone-we will choose wisely where we are going only when we know where we have been…" She invites her readers to journey with her and look at life through Native eyes. She explains the path of the Native peoples and how their lives changed from the days of Columbus. Although the author is American, she came to a Canadian Six Nations community, so much of the content reflects these teachings.

"Roots of Peace, Seeds of Hope is a beautiful book, both to hold and look at and especially in its spirit. The words cannot help but appeal to anyone who has felt the longing for a decent, peaceful kindly world," wrote Howard Zinn, author of People's History of the United States.

Noting that "in the old days, history books marked time by the wars that men fought," Hearne tells stories of seven women in her family who "did great things" without fighting in the eight wars that framed their lives. For instance, the first chapter begins, "My great-great-great-grandmother did great things. Elizabeth lived during the Revolutionary War, but she did not fight in it….Elizabeth was a Mennonite." The brief text goes on to describe her journey, in a wooden sailboat, from Switzerland to America. The oil paintings are full of color, light, and movement. Strong women, pacifism, and genealogy are woven together to make an attractive book that may inspire its readers to delve into their own family histories.

Songs from the Mennonite Hymnal: A Worship Book--Praise to the Lord, the Almighty; Oh Healing River; This Little Light of Mine; We Are People of God's Peace; And I Will Raise You Up on Eagle's Wings; You Shall Go Out with Joy; Jubilate Deo Omnis Terra; Precious Lord, Take My Hand; For God So Loved Us; Go, My Children….

Songs from the Mennonite Hymnal: A Worship Book-- Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing; Jesus Loves Me; Here I am, Lord; Of the Father's Love Begotten; Santo, Santo, Santo; My Life Flows on; Soon and Very Soon; Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee; The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy; Hew Earth, Heavens New; Dona Nobis Pacem; God Loves All His Many People; In the Bulb There is a Flower; Amazing Grace….

This book is recommended by several teachers. One wrote, "Patricia Polacco bases this story on her own experiences as a child. She uses the story in this beautiful book to thank her fifth grade teacher, Mr. Falker. In the book, Tricia, who has a yearning to learn to read because of her family's love of learning, discovers that letters in books seem to be all just wiggling shapes. As Tricia moves through school, students call her dumb. She sadly begins to except their teasing and begins to believe she truly is dumb ,until fifth grade when she is blessed with an outstanding teacher, Mr. Falker. This book is a good read-aloud. Without saying the word "dyslexia" or preaching, Polacco has produced a wonderfully compassionate story." (Parents' Choice Gold Award, 1998)

Perpetual calendar filled with a great collection of quotes: "A pacifist believes there is always an alternative to war."-Jeannette Rankin, the lone U.S. Congress member who voted against entering WWII. "There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less."-G. K. Chesterton…. "Victory can be achieved by various means. It can be gained with tanks and missiles, but I think that one wins better with truth, honesty, and logic….This is a new weapon."-Lech Walesa.

"Three Little Pig" takeoffs-one old, one new-for thinking "outside the box":

This pig doesn't settle for less than a sledgehammer, pneumatic drill, and dynamite. The wolves resort to concrete, padlocks, a video entrance phone, and a home that resembles a fortress. One day they start thinking: "Something must be wrong with our building materials," they said. "We have to try something different. But what?"

This story starts like the old familiar tale, but one by one, the pigs exit the fairy tale's border and set off on an adventure of their own. When the wolf approaches the first house, for example, and blows it in, he somehow manages to blow the pig right out of the story frame. The text continues on schedule--"...and ate the pig up"--but the perplexed expression on the wolf's face as he looks in vain for his ham dinner is priceless. Folding a page of their own story into a paper airplane, the pigs fly off to visit other storybooks, rescuing about-to-be-slain dragons and luring the cat and the fiddle out of their nursery rhyme. (Caldecott Award, 2001) (Adapted from Amazon review by Emilie Coulter.)

Ruby's own recollections of her life, specifically events surrounding her 1960 first-grade year at the beginning of school integration. Also includes other people's reflections, photographs, newspaper coverage, etc. A good one to read along with your younger child. (Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner, 1999)

Gorgeous celebration of butterfly metamorphosis. "Out in the fields, eggs are hidden from view, / clinging to leaves with butterfly glue. / Soon caterpillars hatch. They creep and chew. / Each one knows what it must do." As the gentle rhyme unfolds, we turn the small, partial pages that form the larger spread of fabulous foliage in this lush, oversized book. Before our eyes, the eggs turn to caterpillars, the caterpillars to cases, the cases to lovely butterflies. "They pump their wings, get ready to fly, then hungry butterflies head for the sky."

The colors become increasingly dazzling, each butterfly springing to life with Ehlert's color-soaked cut-paper magic. Several pages of background material conclude the book, labeling different kinds of butterflies at different stages of development. A "Butterfly Information" page clearly labels butterfly anatomy and answers basic question about these fascinating fluttery insects, a "Flower Identification" page showcases butterfly-attracting flowers such as the purple coneflower (echinacea), phlox, and lantana, and the last page offers a few pointers on growing a butterfly garden. (Review adapted from Amazon).

This Sesame Street song comes to life with illustrations painting a picture of diversity that is buoyant and beautiful. Children from Texas, Peru, and southern France; with black hair, red hair, or yellow hair; named Jack or Amanda Sue or Kareem Abdu; rejoice in the fact that they all "sing with the same voice." Children in their native garb, from serapes to woven vests to blue jeans, open their mouths wide in song, encouraging young readers to sing along with the accompanying CD. (Review adapted from Amazon.)

A crazy, colorful picture book about Patrick's first sleep-over at his grandma's, where "something" is always missing before he can go to bed, and Grandma takes charge. Good for "almost- ready-for-bed" kids and their whatever-it-takes Grannies (or Moms and Dads).