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Ten of the Best


to Introduce Children to their Human Rights


10


As we prepare to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, Margaret Mallett chooses ten books to start children thinking and talking about their human rights.


Although children’s human rights are a serious issue, books introducing them to children need not be solemn. I have looked out for books which are invitingly illustrated, have a touch of humour and those which offer promising starting points for discussion.


We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures


Forewords by David Tennant and John Boyne, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, in association with Amnesty International, 978-1-84507-650-4, £12.99 hbk, 7+ (All royalties from the sale of this book are donated to Amnesty International)


In this large and life affirming book, each of 30 human rights declarations is given a double spread illustration by a different illustrator. Many of the illustrations are by artists who have specialised in artwork for children’s books, for example John Burningham, Brita Granström and Satoshi Kitamura. They vary tremendously in style and approach and, while often amusing, each one would be a good focus for children and teacher to talk about important issues. The book reinforces the powerful aim that these rights – including those to do with being protected by the law, believing in what we wish and living in freedom and safety – should ‘belong to everybody, whatever our differences’.


King John and Magna Carta: A Ladybird Adventures from History book


L Du Garde Peach, Ladybird, 978-0-72329-402-3, £5.99 hbk, 7+


This new edition, brought out to mark 800 years since the Magna Carta was signed, tells the story from King John’s point of view through a concise text and dramatic illustrations. The group of citizens, who


8 Books for Keeps No.212 May 2015


challenged the absolute power of the monarch and demanded some rights, brought about a turning point in our history. A main point to emphasise is that this event led to our principles of liberty, democracy and the rule of law.


Welcome to the Family


Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith (ill.), Frances Lincoln, 978-1-84780-461-7, £11.99 hbk, 4+


Writers and illustrators of children’s books have tended to show us life in a traditional family. This book helps redress the balance by showing nuclear families, families with same sex parents, foster families and ‘blended’ families. This book helps children feel comfortable with whatever kind of family they belong to. The important thing is that they are happy and well cared for.


I Have the Right to Be a Child


Alain Serres & Aurelia Fronty (ill.) & Sarah Ardizzone (translator), Phoenix Yard Books, 978-1-90791-211-3, £7.99 pbk, 9+


Fifty-four articles were drawn up by the United Nations at the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 and signed by 193 nations. But many children across the world still lack basic entitlements, for example nourishing food, shelter, education and safety from conflict. This book, endorsed by Amnesty, aims to be constructive and positive and explains what we should aspire to. Its global reach, encompassing children from many parts of the world, is evident in the imaginative illustrations. Any adult reading this with children would have a significant role in clarifying issues and orchestrating discussion.


Magnus Carter: A Fable About Justice and Liberty


Julian Warrender & Lyndsey Smith (ill.), Hare and Heron Press, 978-0-95747-302-7, £6.99 pbk, 5+


There are a number of good books introducing children to the story of the Magna Carta and the issues it raises. But I think this story about the efforts of a hard working little mole, Magnus Carter, to lead his fellow workers in a rebellion against unjust King Moldewarp is ideal for the very


Magnus] CARTER


A fable about justice and liberty IWritten by Julian Warrender llustrated by Lyndsey Smith


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