Chiara Hoyt
- Dec 3, 2023
- 3 min read

Picture Books That Encourage and Teach Peace

Updated: Jan 26

When the world is reeling, and every day seems to bring new violence, it can be hard to see how using a picture to teach peace can make the slightest change. But, as great educators and parents, you know that planting the seeds of love, compassion, and peace are never in vain. These picture books that encourage and teach peace are some of my favorites, and I hope they inspire you and your kids to bring positive changes to our shared home.

1. Teach Peace with Something, Someday

A white background with a picture book centered with golden yellow background and the title, "Something, Somebody" at the top, with a boy watering a small plant illustrated on the cover.

”Something, Someday” by Amanda Gorman and Christian Robinson is a necessary and most timely literary treasure. The world around us certainly does seem broken, but the call to hold tight to our humanity is strong. If you feel hopeless, make this your next read. Equal parts prayer, poetry, and clarion call to community, this children’s text will fill your heart and remind you of what is most deeply true: The power to impact enduring changes rests within each of us.

2. Teach Peace with Can You Say Peace?

A white background with a green picture book entitled "Can You Say Peace?" with diverse children's faces illustrated on the cover.

Can You Say Peace? by Karen Katz is a beautiful, inclusive, and always timely picture book, teaching our little ones to say peace in many languages. Bright, hopeful, and accessible for a wide range of ages, this book is another reminder why Karen Katz is such a legend in children’s literature!

As I pray for peace today and every day, I am reminded that peace is not passive, timid, or meek. Peace, in a world that constantly values power, force, and profit, is a radical and visionary call to action. True peace requires a relentless commitment to justice, an unconditional love for one another, and a deep sense of empathy that insists that no one is free until all of us are free. Peace is a protest that reveals our collective heart’s greatest desire.

3. Teach Peace with Change Sings: A Children's Anthem

A white background with a picture book cover showing an illustrated girl holding a guitar in front of a colorful wall mural and the title "Change Sings".

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem by Amanda Gorman and Loren Long is a lyrical masterpiece that reminds us all that when we work together, we can make a positive impact on our world, beginning with ourselves. No voice or action is too small to participate in the moving song of change. Everyone has an important part to play as we lift each other and create harmony in the world. With illustrations that match the love in each word, this book will touch every reader's heart and put a fire in your soul.

4. Teach Peace with Enemy Pie

A white background with a red picture book at the center, titled "Enemy Pie" with an illustration of a boy in front of a large pie with a small sign that reads, "For My Best Enemy."

"Enemy Pie" by Derek Munson is a great book with a great moral! What better way to get rid of your enemies than to befriend them? I always used this story with my 2nd graders to model drawing conclusions, but this book is full of great content that lends itself to lots of reading skills! Plus, it’s a fantastic lesson in kindness and building bridges! Pair with a cooking or art activity for extra fun and increased learning opportunities!

5. Teach Peace with Peace

A white background with a green picture book titled "Peace" with an illustrated jungle scene with animals and children coexisting together happily.

Stop everything you are doing (after you finish this blog post, of course) and go get this book! Peace by Baptiste Paul & Miranda Paul was happily sitting on a shelf at my local library when I picked it up and absolutely fell in love!! This book is exactly what we all need, now and forever. It is equal parts affirmation, prayer, poem, & picture book, and I am forever grateful to the phenomenally talented authors and amazing illustrator, Estelí Meza, for the gift of this book. This is a MUST-HAVE!!

6. Teach Peace with Words To Love By

A white and pale pink floral background with a blue picture book with rainbow words spelling "Words To Love By" and illustrated children playing among the letters featured on the cover.

Love is an action and a choice. Love can change the world, and this beautiful book, Words To Love By written by Rick Warren and illustrated by Ag Jaykowska is a great reminder of that! Filled with beautiful and diverse illustrations, this picture book reminds us that the words we say must be chosen carefully because they truly can change a person’s life. A great addition to everyone’s library!!

With all that is going on in our world today, I don’t think there is anyone who wouldn’t say that we need more love and peace in our world. This might sound a little preachy, but, since it’s part of the name of my brand, I’m going to lean in and say it... Love is revolutionary in the face of all the obstacles set before us that would lead us to choose anger, bitterness, or hatred. Love is a firm commitment to act for justice, to uplift and support, to achieve equity and to see the dignity and goodness in each other, all life, and in the Earth. Love is a verb. And it is a revolution for peace.

Ready to move your classroom toward liberation? Check out my FREE Ultimate Teacher Guide to Make Your Early Childhood Classroom More Inclusive!