The First Day of Peace

This moving picture book, presented by Maya Soetoro-Ng, tells the story of two communities, the mountain people and the valley people, who initially refuse to share vital water resources. When a severe drought and then a flood threaten both, a wise mountain girl steps forward to bridge the divide, advocating for kindness and cooperation. It's a modern parable that gently addresses themes of environmental protection, resource sharing, and the importance of empathy and peace, especially relevant for children worried about climate change.

In a new picture book presented by the Peace Studio and its cofounder Maya Soetoro-Ng, author Todd Shuster and illustrator Tatiana Gardel offer a moving modern parable highlighting the wondrous power of kindness and sharing. Season after season, the mountain people give life to their crops with water from the river, while the valley people use water from a nearby lake to nourish their fields. Despite their similarities, neither allows the other to seek water on their land—instead, they exchange harsh words, and when drought descends, they come to blows. But when the hottest summer yet brings torrential downpours, the waters overflow and trap the valley people. A wise mountain girl sees their plight and says, “We need to help.” Featuring an afterword by Maya Soetoro-Ng, The First Day of Peace is a fable for a time when many parents and children are deeply worried about our warming planet. At once timeless and timely, it sheds light on the importance of protecting the environment and of sharing rather than fighting over the earth’s precious natural resources. Todd Shuster’s lyrical writing is brought to vivid life by Tatiana Gardel’s rich and luminous illustrations in a story for everyone who hopes for love, justice, and peace across all mountains and valleys.