“We Share One world”
Author: Jane E Hoffelt
Illustrated by: Marty Husted
Published by: Illumination Arts Publishing Company Inc, Washington, USA
Ages: 3 and up
Theme: togetherness, multicultural, oneness, unity
Opening Line: “You and I, we share one world, One golden sun, One silver moon. Day and night we breathe the air. We touch the wind And play our songs.”
Synopsis: Children are never too young to begin exploring the many different cultures that make up our beautiful world. From the fields of Tanzania to the hills of Switzerland, the jungles of Costa Rica to Russia, We Share One World conveys the message that we can all dream one dream as we share this world. A dream that all peoples will live in peace. Through a young boys eyes we see the similarities rather than the differences in cultures from Australia to Canada and everywhere else, as well as depicting wild animals existing harmoniously. We Share One World is a timely message showing that world peace is possible, and this begins in the heart, one person at a time.
Why I like it: This is a delightful picture book featuring a heartfelt poem by Jane Hoffelt, and gentle detailed water colour illustrations by Mary Husted. This book was chosen as a finalist for the 2005 Benjamin Franklin Award: Children’s Picture Book Category! What I also love and Readers won’t be surprised to discover is that a portion of the profits from the book go to The Children’s Global Foundation, an organization dedicated to world peace and to helping homeless children worldwide, promoting advancements in education and environmental issues.
Sisters Jane with her dedication to global peace and Marty with her love of nature and interest in far-away places are reflected in this shared vision. Both live in Columbus, Ohio.
Resources/Findings: This is such an educational book. A great introduction for very young children about different countries, the people, plants and animals everywhere.
This great website called Teaching Tolerance has a section of Classroom activities and a Teachers Kit…etc…. http://www.tolerance.org/
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
That looks like a classic that every household should have and how lovely the proceeds go to the same cause.
Yes it is Catherine, so glad you like this. Thanks!
This looks like one that I need on my shelves for my counseling program. Thanks for the lead on what sounds like a beautiful book with a powerful message!
Thankyou for your lovely comment. Welcome and glad you liked it.
This looks like a perfect intro to cultural diversity and our oneness as a human race. I’ll definitely look for this in my library.
Thankyou Laura, glad you liked it. Hope you find it in your library.
Hi Diane-
This looks like a beautiful book with a beautiful message. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Carrie, It is beautifully illustrated to.
Love the concept of this book and the illustrations look gorgeous!
Hi Julie, yes the illustrations are lovely, glad you like it.
Great multicultural choice, Diane!
Thank you Joanna, its right up our alley!
Diane, thanks for sharing what looks like a beautiful book with a wonderful message.
thankyou Laura, you are very welcome.
This book sounds gorgeous, Diane! I want to read it right now! 🙂 Thanks so much for adding it to our list! 🙂
Your very welcome Susanna. It is lovely.
My children have become very interested in geography and cultures around the world. This looks like a wonderful book to explore those themes.
Hi Kirsten, yes it is one to use as an introduction to culture, I think. It has little maps of the country in the top right hand corner of each page.
My kids’ elementary school used to put together an international day where the kids got passports and would visit ‘countries’ at tables where a foreign guest would have activities and stories to share. So important, this book would be a great one to read – before and after a ‘world tour’!
Wow! that is so cool Julie. How creative and kids would so enjoy that activity. A great way to prepare kids for travel overseas, to.
This sounds so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I have such a long list of books to get from the library this week!
lol… Enjoy your day at the library. Best place to be… Thanks for stopping by Kimberley.
This book sounds wonderful, Diane. The lines you shared are just lovely. Thank you!
Your welcome. It’s a very beautifully illustrated book to.
I really like the opening and the cover! Great pick! 🙂
Thankyou Erik glad you liked it.
This book reminds my of a Christmas card and some religions. lol A very important idea. 🙂 Will have to check it out. 🙂
lol.. thankyou Clar glad you like it.
I guess you knew I would love this book. Any book that depicts a variety of cultures with lovely illustrations and a wonderful poem is high on my list.
Yes, I did think you would like this one. One line of the poem is on each page and the illustrations depict beautiful illustrations of cultures around the world… Glad you liked my choice Darlene.
My kind of book. Love books that teach kids that they really are the same and connected. Great choice.
Thankyou Pat, hope you enjoyed your break away. Lovely to see you back.