Peace in Our Time: Inspired by Sadako Sasaki of Hiroshima, Japan

A visually elegant picture book about peace, as inspired by a courageous young girl in Hiroshima, Sadako Sasaki, a heroine of the Second World War. Author and artist, Ann Ford, was inspired to create this book about Sadako Sasaki after a visit to an art installation at an Art Museum (the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, Washington) which provided a fresh reminder of the power of delivering important messages with pictures. This was an unanticipated experience that resulted, as if by accident, in this book - an illustrated book that is a celebration of children's desire for peace in their lifetimes. Many of us share a vague awareness of the fact that there have been many child or youth-heroes and heroines throughout history, but a clear picture of how they expressed their courage, is elusive. For Sadako Sasaki, her hopes were expressed in the folded origami crane, that represents long life. Sadako had the courage to boldly reach for the impossible: trying to outlive the atom bomb disease that ravaged her. Her life not only illuminated the crises that wars inevitably wreak on children, but she also made it possible for millions to learn from her that we can make hope manifest, through art. If Sadako inspies you, consider participating in one of the many peace organizations that exist, to try to make a reality of what is emblazoned on the memorial at the Hiroshima Peace Park: "This is our cry, this is our prayer; peace in the world."