Stories of Peace and Kindness
For a Better World
Age 4+
Myths & Legends, Picture Storybooks Folklore
Seven wise and wonderful stories from war-torn lands, showing how peace and kindness can make our world a better place.
Will two tribes in Ethiopia make peace by throwing their most precious possessions in the river? Can a poor Palestinian shepherd show a rich sultan the value of true kindness? Or will an angel in Afghanistan find a way to turn the selfish Emir into a caring ruler? Buried treasure and an act of forgiveness reunite a father and daughter in Sudan while a camel is the key to choosing a kind and fair ruler for the kingdom of Yemen. Hear the Syrian story of the woodcutter and the lion to discover the meaning of friendship, and then follow nine courageous Uighur princesses of Kashgar, as they bring peace to their kingdom – without any fighting.
The importance of peace and kindness in our lives shines through these timeless, inspirational stories from seven countries, beautifully told and illustrated with empathy and humour.
Creators
Elizabeth Laird is a Scottish author who has spent many years gathering and re-telling folk tales from all over the world. She has lived and worked in many countries, including Ethiopia, Malaysia, Iraq and Lebanon. Elizabeth is also author of many novels and picture books. Some of her novels are set in the UK, and some in Africa and the Middle East. In the late 1990s she set up a project with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education and the British Council to preserve folktales from all over Ethiopia, preserved on two websites, www.ethiopianfolktales.com and www.ethiopianfolktalesforkids.com. Her books have been translated into more than 25 languages, and have won many awards. She has been shortlisted six times for the Carnegie Medal. Elizabeth Laird divides her time between Richmond, Surrey, and Edinburgh.
Mehrdrokht Amini is an Iranian-born illustrator who has lived in Britain since 2004. She graduated in Graphic Design at Teheran University. Her book work includes Golden Dawns and Silver Lanterns and Chicken in the Kitchen (2016) which was Best Book at the Children's Africana Book Awards, and is a 'White Ravens' honour book. Mehrdrokht is based in London.
