The Peaceable Kingdom by Ewa Zadrzynska, at first glance, is about a lion, leopard, and fox that leave Edward Hicks’ famous painting. They exit the Brooklyn Museum and end up in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. When young Susan, Brian, and their Mother see the animals, they are being attacked by much smaller wildlife. Because the outside world perceives them as dangerous predators, all react in fear and respond with threats of violence. The children, not yet fully socialized, see the animals for what they truly are—terrified. The children negotiate peace and resolve the conflict, just as William Penn does in The Peaceable Kingdom. This is serious, contemporary content. William Penn receives brief mention in this story. Yet, this book and his The Peaceable Kingdom model peacemaking.
I didn’t find this story read aloud online.
There are many versions of this painting in the United States. A list of some locations is in the back of the book. There’s also a description of Edward Hicks on the last page.
My Picture Book Talk for this story is here.
