Stories of Peace and Kindness

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.

"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."

“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”.

"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."

"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!"

"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."

"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."

"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."

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, and 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.

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