Welcome!

Dear Book Lovers, Welcome! I am delighted that you have found The Through the Looking Glass blog. For over twenty years I reviewed children's literature titles for my online journal, which came out six times a year. Every book review written for that publication can be found on the Through the Looking Glass website (the link is below). I am now moving in a different direction, though the columns that I write are still book-centric. Instead of writing reviews, I'm offering you columns on topics that have been inspired by wonderful books that I have read. I tell you about the books in question, and describe how they have have impacted me. This may sound peculiar to some of you, but the books that I tend to choose are ones that resonate with me on some level. Therefore, when I read the last page and close the covers, I am not quite the same person that I was when first I started reading the book. The shift in my perspective might be miniscule, but it is still there. The books I am looking are both about adult and children's titles. Some of the children's titles will appeal to adults, while others will not. Some of the adult titles will appeal to younger readers, particularly those who are eager to expand their horizons.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin. A book for everyone


Yesterday was not a good day for me. I was struggling with fears, worries, and frustrations, and I was therefore feeling pretty miffed with the world in general. Then I settled down to read and review Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin. For as long as I have been reading her books, I have loved the way Wendy pairs her illustrations with text that has substance. She makes her readers think about and consider what she is saying. Peace certainly did this for me. She reminded me that being angry with my lot in life serves no purpose. Instead I need to think things through quietly and refrain from sending my annoyed feelings out into the world. I need to set aside the small stuff and do my part to create peace.

Wendy Anderson Halperin
Picture Book
For ages 5 and up
Simon and Schuster, 2013, 978-0-689-82552-1
Sometimes, when we read or watch the news, we feel overwhelmed by the suffering that we see people experiencing all over the world. There is so much violence, and it exists on so many levels. People are robbed and hurt in their homes, and people die by the hundreds or thousands in wars and other conflicts. How can one person do anything about this terrible situation? How can a child promote peace when confronted by so much anger?
   In this beautiful and powerful book Wendy Anderson Halperin explores the idea that every one of us can do things to make our world more peaceful. In the beginning of the book she tells us how we can use our five senses so that we can become better peace makers. For example, we can use our sense of touch to “help, to plant, to comfort, to reach out, and to create peace.” With our ears we can be good listeners, and with our words we can “heal, not hurt.”
   She then goes on to show us using artwork, her words, and quotations, how peace can only come to our world if nations chose the path of peace. In turn nations can only embrace peace if cities are peaceful. Cities cannot be peaceful if neighborhoods are full of anger and violence, and if schools and homes are torn apart by cruel words and actions. Homes cannot find peace if there is no peace in our hearts.
   Packed with words of wisdom from Desmond Tutu, Gandhi, Plato, Mark Twain and others, this is a book that will empower and uplift readers. It is a book to read and savor, and it is a book that will help readers to get through the hard times. Grownups reading this book to their children will realize that the book is for them as well. It serves as a valuable reminder that peacemaking begins with the individual. 

1 comment:

Wendy Halperin said...

Dear Marya,
Your review of PEACE is so thoughtful. Thank you. It makes me very very happy you will feel peaceful in your heart, your home, your neighborhood....and our world.
Smiling,
Wendy

Anderson Halperin

Bookmark and Share