Children and Young Adults_Books on How to Talk About War

A stark and beautiful picture book about being a child in a world at war. What’s it like to be little when even your own mother cannot guarantee everything will be alright?

Mom says Noah can run faster than bullets, and that’s a good thing, because sometimes bullets hit their apartment block. It’s going to be ok, says Mom. Mom looks after Noah and Noah looks after Wild Rabbit. But one day their apartment block is hit by a bomb, and both Mom and Wild Rabbit are gone.

Illustrated by Kamila Slocinska.

In a war-torn country, a mother and daughter are hiding in the basement. As the bombers fly over a bleak, bombed-out landscape, the girl takes refuge within, gaining advice and strength from a mysterious and wise bird.
Vanishing Colours shows how one’s inner life can provide hope in a world where hope has been silenced. The story creates an empathic space for the most vulnerable among us: Children afflicted by war.

Illustrated by Akin Duzakin.

Featured on the USBBY (the United States Board on Books for Young People) 2020 international outstanding books list

Papelina is a different story about escape. Papelina and her family must leave their home. Papa Gøye says it’s a top-secret adventure! The only thing Papelina is told is that they are going to a beautiful bird castle. But the journey becomes long and tiring. And why can’t Papa Gøye stop joking and fooling around?
Papelina is a story about escape, family, and friendship. And about what it means to be home.

Illustrated by Jill Moursund.

In this book we meet Death, in the shape of a kind and considerate person. Death’s job is to collect everybody who is about to die – it may be insects and elephants, children and the old. Death plays an indispensable role, because without Death there will not be room for new life to emerge. Death performs the task in as gentle and caring a manner as possible. Death is a part of life, of love and of us all.

Illustrated by Marine Schneider.

A girl wonders what it is like to live in other places in the world, and why she is just who she is and where she is. Who would she be if she was born in another part of the world? Would she have managed in poorer living conditions? She tries to imagine herself in situations that kids in other parts of the world might be in. This children’s book approaches serious issues regard­ing identity, culture and global challenges in a beautiful and poetic way.

Illustrated by Akin Duzakin.

In this delightful picture book, a small duck finds itself in a place full of unusual creatures who speak an unfamiliar language. Eventually, it meets an animal whose big feet are a bit like its own. And with a friend by its side, the small duck soon can feel at home. This deceptively simple book about adapting to new situations will appeal to children who are just starting school or daycare, children who are about to move to a new home, or children who are learning a new language. The illustrations are gently humorous, while the simple text affirms the importance of knowing who you are and being open to change.

Illustrated by Camilla Engman.