Salam Alaikum:  A Message of Peace

Harris J, a young Muslim from London, has become known for his faith-inspired music, and this picture book – all about peace and love and inspiring others to be caring in their relationships – has as its text one of his songs.  We have an explanation of both the formal and informal ways of saying Salam Alaikum or ‘peace be with you’, and both are used in the book. Perfectly matched with exciting pictures that enhance the whole greatly, it is a happy and joyous production that will encourage children to join the chain of people being nice to each other.  The story begins on a grey and rainy day in a big city.  Surrounded by grey people looking sad and damp is a boy carrying a red umbrella and a tin of paint, the only colourful person in the picture.  He sees a woman without an umbrella and gives his to her, and this brings on a wonderful transformation.  Clouds begin to lift, and the young woman buys a red balloon for a little girl; she in turn gives the balloon to a poor-looking boy who gives an apple to an old lady.  The chain continues until the weather is the brightest of bright, the kind thought each time being accompanied by a big splash of yellow.  A kitten is rescued, a car is repaired, and through all the activity we see the original boy with his paint tin collecting the people who have been kind behind him as he goes.  The final pictures see everyone, all ages, races and colours, helping to paint a wall and then holding hands in unity and joy.  It’s a wonderful way of expressing the way humanity should live together.  It will make children (and adults) happy and ready to change the world!