In a new picture book presented by the Peace Studio and its cofounder
Maya Soetoro-Ng, author Todd Shuster and illustrator Tatiana Gardel
offer a moving modern parable highlighting the wondrous power of
kindness and sharing.
Season after season, the mountain people give life to their crops with
water from the river, while the valley people use water from a nearby
lake to nourish their fields. Despite their similarities, neither allows
the other to seek water on their land--instead, they exchange harsh
words, and when drought descends, they come to blows. But when the
hottest summer yet brings torrential downpours, the waters overflow and
trap the valley people. A wise mountain girl sees their plight and says,
"We need to help."
Featuring an afterword by Maya Soetoro-Ng, The First Day of Peace is
a fable for a time when many parents and children are deeply worried
about our warming planet. At once timeless and timely, it sheds light on
the importance of protecting the environment and of sharing rather than
fighting over the earth's precious natural resources. Todd Shuster's
lyrical writing is brought to vivid life by Tatiana Gardel's rich and
luminous illustrations in a story for everyone who hopes for love,
justice, and peace across all mountains and valleys.
