If Kids Ran the World

Two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon show children playfully creating a more generous, peaceful world where everyone shares with others.

All roads lead to kindness in this powerful final collaboration between Leo and Diane Dillon. In a colorful tree house, a rainbow of children determine the most important needs in our complex world, and following spreads present boys and girls happily helping others. Kids bring abundant food to the hungry; medicine and cheer to the sick; safe housing, education, and religious tolerance to all; and our planet is treated with care. Forgiveness and generosity are seen as essential, because kids know how to share, and they understand the power of love.

The book closes with examples of fun ways to help others--along with FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "The Second Bill of Rights," which illuminate these concepts.

A tribute to peace and a celebration of diverse cultures, this last collaboration by the Dillons captures the wondrous joy of all people, and the unique beauty within each one of us shines forth. If kids ran the world, it would be a better place--for grown-ups, too.

Leo and Diane Dillon began working together in the 1950s. Diversity and equality are regular themes in their work, which ranges from African folktales to fantasy and science fiction. Their long list of awards includes two Caldecott Medals, four NEW YORK TIMES Best Illustrated Awards, four BOSTON GLOBE--HORN BOOK Awards, multiple Coretta Scott King Awards, and the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. They were inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 1997. Leo Dillon died in May 2012.