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News of war can make children anxious, concerned and upset. This book gently explains how wars come about, how they have changed over time, who's there to help during wartime, what happens when a war is over and how we can all make the world more peaceful. Written in a clear, approachable style, with carefully chosen examples, Why are there wars? is both informative and reassuring. Internet links suggest positive projects for children, including making origami peace doves.
Mairi Mackinnon has lived in England, Scotland, France, Italy and Spain, and worked as a teacher, translator and tour manager before joining Usborne. Over the years she has written and edited Usborne books in sixteen languages, from Arabic to Welsh. She lives in a house full of tall teenagers, hundreds of books and strange musical instruments, from violas to didgeridoos.
Katie has been writing non-fiction children's books for almost half her life and loves questioning the world from a child's point of view. She's developed some of Usborne's bestselling series, including the See Inside books and Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers. When she's not writing, she likes drinking coffee, walking on the moors and playing competitive board games with her children.
Oksana was born and grew up in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lviv and made the city her home for over a decade, until Russia's invasion forced her to flee. She then started selling prints of her work to raise funds for those left in Ukraine. "I realised that everything can be a weapon against evil, even art." Oksana finds her inspiration in trees, the ocean, birds, clouds and people. "Every person I meet gives me a better understanding of myself. I like to play with metaphors. I'm one of those people who find it easier to think on paper."
Why are there wars? is both informative and reassuring... written with the help of expert advisers and child psychologists, this is a thoughtful book that offers hope for the future.
The Star
Quicklinks
Visit Usborne Quicklinks to download a guide to making an origami peace dove and for links to websites with more positive projects and tips for talking to children about war.