The Enemy: A Book About Peace
What’s inside...
In this moving picture book, award-winning collaborators Davide Cali and Serge Bloch present a fable for our time about two lonely soldiers facing each other across a barren battlefield. What each discovers, as the story unfolds, is that the enemy is not a faceless beast, but rather a real person with family, friends, and dreams.
Discussion points
Why do you think the soldier called the other soldier 'the enemy'? How do you feel about that?
What are some ways the soldiers realized they were similar to each other?
How did the environment around the soldiers affect their actions and feelings?
Why do you think the soldiers changed their minds about fighting by the end of the story?
If you were in the story, what would you say to the soldiers to help them make peace?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by summarizing the main themes of the book, focusing on peace and understanding. Show empathy and interest in your child’s responses, acknowledging their thoughts and feelings. Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations. Use the illustrations in the book to point out emotions or turning points in the story, which can help guide the conversation. Lastly, highlight the importance of empathy, respect, and communication when resolving conflicts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates a soldier who begins to understand his enemy's perspective, leading to an emotional connection despite being on opposing sides.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others, understanding that even people who seem different have their own emotions, fears, and hopes.
Example Lesson: The Futility of War
Explanation: The book presents war as an endless cycle of suffering, prompting the soldier to seek peace as a better alternative.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully rather than resorting to violence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: By communicating through letters, the soldiers realize they share common ground, which fosters mutual respect.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning the value of open communication in understanding others and building strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to Challenge Norms
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery not only in battle but in questioning the validity of the conflict and considering peace.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about right and wrong and to have the courage to stand up for what they believe is right.
Example Lesson: Hope and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the bleakness of war, the book ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that change is possible with determination.
Real-World Application: Teaching children that perseverance and maintaining hope can lead to positive changes, even in difficult situations.