This book reads like a collection of the author’s thoughts and questions on the subject of peace. Each page opens with a word like “how,” “maybe” or “what if,” encouraging the reader to form her own opinion. The simplistic illustrations on the facing pages are multicultural, featuring people in a variety of settings, wearing everything from turbans to denim. The verses are surrounded by the word “peace” in 32 languages.
Each page starts out with simpler issues, like being afraid in a dark room. By the bottom of the page, the issues are broadened and more difficult, like being afraid because someone hates your religion or the language your parents speak. The concrete examples bring meaning to the concept of peace in a very accessible way.
The Jewish value of shalom is for people of all faiths and backgrounds, as is the target audience for the book. Boritzer defines praying as trying to hold on to your peace. He also offers the suggestion to pray to send love to others who might be afraid of losing their peace. This is the latest in a series which includes, What is Love?, What is Death? and What is God?, among others. Ages 7 – 10.