Current events in our culture today focus on our need for peace and understanding. These new children's books introduce readers to the important principles of freedom, kindness and positivity.

"Seeds of Freedom" by Hester Bass; illustrated by E.B. Lewis; Candlewick Press; 32 pages; $16.99.

This true story of integration of Huntsville, Alabama, showcases the mostly peaceful town of Huntsville and how it overcame segregation in 1962 and 1963. Huntsville was successful where many southern towns weren't, with the help of a progressive mayor, a visit from JFK and an understanding from black and white people that dignity, cooperation and courage work better than violence and hatred. Though Mayor George Wallace throws a bit of a kink in the plan, the peace-loving people hatch their own plan to integrate their beloved city.

Kids should remember that history repeats itself, and that our forefathers and mothers were evolved enough to work out their differences without violence. "Seeds of Freedom" will help young audiences learn this valuable lesson. The book is also filled with lovely watercolors, and Hester Bass has a clear, positive way of writing.

"Freedom's School" by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrations by James E. Ransome; Disney/Jump at the Sun; 32 pages; $17.99.

The day freedom came, "we went to sleep slaves and woke up free," explains Mama to young Paul and Lizzie. Though "bein' free means we got to work harder than ever before. And I don't mean in the field. Real freedom means 'rithmetic and writing." Thus begins this hopeful tale of the siblings attending a new school, which is plain but beautiful, even when they have to face bad weather and dangers to get there. Their strong teacher prevails no matter what, even when the schoolhouse burns down and the town folk gather to rebuild.

A poignant look at how school existed for newly freed American slaves, Lesa Cline-Ransome's descriptive book is a lovely ode to strength and resilience.

"Peace Is an Offering" by Annette Le Box; pictures by Stephanie Graegin; Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin; 30 pages; $16.99.

Annette Le Box creates, in this beautiful poetic picture book, a community where little children care for one another. It begins with a little girl bringing treats to an injured boy. "Peace is an offering. A muffin or a peach." She points out other ways peace shows itself. "You might find peace in a photograph, or in the deep boom of a belly laugh." "Peace is a joining, not a pulling apart. It's the courage to bear a wounded heart," reads more of the poetic prose, all with charming round-faced children being kind and helpful to one another.

A wonderful way to introduce empathy to youngsters, Le Box's gem of a book also offers encouragement when things go awry. "Walk away from a fight. Comfort a friend through the long, dark night. Sing a quiet song. Catch a falling star." All sound advice, even for adults.

"A Simple Idea to Empower Kids," by Kathleen Boucher; Balboa Press; 28 pages; $13.95.

Author Kathleen Boucher wants to share her simple approach to nurturing kids' self-esteem. Her brightly colored book begins as an ode to readers: "From the beginning of time until the end of time, there will only be one of you on Earth. This means you are very special exactly as you are right now."

Boucher then explains that love is the importance of believing in what you want; that it does not matter what you look like on the outside.

By using the law of attraction, Boucher helps young readers achieve whatever they want, making her new book important and helpful.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Tom Page