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Children's literature resources on war, terrorism, and natural disasters for pre-K to grade 3.

Article Excerpt
The following picture books are a sample of children's literature selections that were chosen with both young children and their teachers and parents in mind. Undoubtedly, the very nature of the topics of war, terrorism, and natural disasters are disconcerting and disturbing for children, and adults alike. Therefore, after previewing these books, the authors recommend that they be used as read-alouds, so that caring adults who know and love young children will be available to help them navigate through these somewhat confusing concepts with comforting explanations. While this bibliography focuses upon preschool through 3rd-grade children, our experience has been that these books are equally effective for use with older children. Therefore, the ages included within the following annotations do not state a definitive upper limit.

These books were chosen in part because they possess positive and hopeful themes despite harsh circumstances and difficult times. As children and the adults in their lives read these books together, questions, discussion, doubts, worries, and the celebrations that affirm life should be encouraged. By reading these books together in guided, supportive settings, young children may be offered some consolation in response to the hardships of war, terrorism, and natural disasters.

WAR

Concepts About War and Peace

Bunting, E. (1980/1989). Terrible Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust. Illus. by S. Gammell. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society. Unp., ISBN 0827605072. Each time the Terrible Things come to the forest, they take away another type of creature. Little Rabbit is the only one who questions why the Terrible Things are being so cruel. Soon, all of the animals except Little Rabbit have been taken away--and he mourns the fact that they did not all band together against the Terrible Things from the very beginning. An excellent introduction to the Holocaust, this allegory also has broader life lessons that can be embraced by even young children. Ages 7 and up.

Emberly, B. (1967). Drummer Hoff. Illus. by E. Emberley. New York: Simon & Schuster. Unp., ISBN 067166249X. Drummer Hoff might have been the one to fire off the cannon, but there were many others who contributed to creating the weapon and participated in this act of war. Presented in lyrical language and a deceptively simple format, this Caldecott winner was considered by many to be a strong critique of the Vietnam War at the time of its first issue. Ages 4 and up.

Kerley, B. (2007). A Little Peace. Photographs by various photographers. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society. Unp., ISBN 9781426300868. How is peace spread? It spreads with an outreached hand, a raised voice, a single smile. This simple poetic text is accompanied by vivid photographs from around the world. Together, they communicate both the power and possibility of peace, even in difficult circumstances. It concludes with an encouragement to young readers to do their part to spread peace. Ages 4 and up.

Seuss, Dr. (1984). The Butter Battle Book. Illus. by the author. New York: Random House. Unp., ISBN 0394865804. Sometimes people will fight about anything. In this book, the Zooks and the Yooks engage in a raging battle about how bread should be buttered: butter side up or butter side down. Each skirmish includes more elaborate weapons than the one before. Written at the height of the cold war, the Butter Battle Book offers a rhyming, engaging storyline for young readers and invites older, savvier ones to consider the long-term impact of military escalation. Ages 4 and up.

Smith, D.J. (2002). If...

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