A Prayer for World Peace

Gr 4 Up—Goodall's nondenominational prayer, directed to the "Great Spiritual Power," has its genesis in her role as UN Messenger of Peace and in the organization's International Day of Peace. The animal and environmental rights activist includes a litany of timely causes in her plea, such as the plight of refugees and the "hurts that we have inflicted on nature." Having witnessed untold global struggles, Goodall does not mince words, nor does she edit for length. Her list on suffering animals covers two spreads, ranging from scientific experimentation and abusive pet owners to badger baiting and bullfighting. She prays for "children who are starving, who are condemned to homelessness, slave labor, and prostitution, and especially for those forced to fight, to kill and torture even members of their own family." Such issues and some of the concepts, such as shunning "dogma," raise the question of audience for this 48-page picture book. Golmohammadi's striking mixed-media paintings vary from impressionistic (frothy ocean waves and an ethereal woodland) to abstract with elements of realism. The composition of the page devoted to the topic of starving and abused children is comprised of thick, deep red and purple strokes surrounding and partially covering a hunched figure. A row of diverse children clad in rainbow hues visually reinforces a reference to the "hope that is within us." Extensive back matter includes biographies of artist and author and information on the Jane Goodall Institute and her conservation and humanitarian efforts.