The World We Choose – Winner of the Barefoot Librarian Children’s Book Award
The World We Choose
Written by Kevin Kunkel
Illustrated by Melissa Favorite
Winner of the Barefoot Librarian Children’s Book Award
Sponsored by Reader Views and the Barefoot Librarian
We have been bombarded with bad news during this unprecedented challenging time, and it has been difficult to find any glimmers of hope. Luckily, the book The World We Choose made a timely appearance and shines a much-needed light on the positive in our world. While we need to acknowledge that bad things happen in the world, this book reminds us that the good far outweighs the bad, and the outlook is far from bleak. We have it within us to choose and make a positive world.
Readers learn from the brown-skinned, curly-haired narrator how important it is to look at the facts to get to the truth. And the truth is that people are working every day on advancements in many facets of life, including- social justice, the environment, technology, education, and medicine. Some specific examples included are phones that allow you to see those dear to you and new medical treatments. Children are encouraged to “…choose love over anger and silence.” The book concludes on this optimistic note:
“The world has its problems.
There is still lots to do.
But to say it’s all bad
would simply be untrue.
So take what you know
And share the good news.
Because the world that we get
Is the world that we choose.”
“The bad is easy to see,
But the world’s getting better with people like me.”
The author sets just the right tone for his intended age group, 5–8-year-olds. Even sickness and bad news are addressed in an age-appropriate way. The story is told in upbeat, rhyming text. The narrator is relatable, and her messages are realistic and hopeful.
The colorful, child-friendly illustrations complement the text beautifully. The pictures are engaging, relevant, and fun. Depicted in the book is a broad range of diverse people engaged in constructive activities that reflect and reinforce each page’s sentiments. Like the text, the illustrations are optimistic and cheerful.
A bonus is a beautiful video that delivers the message in the book in a uniquely personal way. People worldwide quote parts of the book, and the footage ends with them all agreeing that “… the world’s getting better with people like me.” The video provides children a peek into cultures from around the globe and the understanding that we are all part of the same human race.
The author is never preachy or unrealistic in his handling of the topic. He agrees there is wrong in the world, and we cannot control that. The author reminds children that they are in charge of their reactions and actions. This empowers children to focus on the positive and contribute to the good in the world, resulting in a “World We Choose” that will be better for everyone!
This book and video are a solid package! Highly recommended.
(The Barefoot Librarian may receive a commission from your purchases at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support of my business. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”)
