I Have the Right to Be a Child by Alain Serres


I Have the Right to be a Child
1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY
Serres, Alain. 2008. Translated by Helen Mixter.  Illustrated by Aurélia Frsonty. I Have the Right to Be a Child. Berkeley, CA: Groundwood Books. ISBN 978-1554981496
2.  PLOT SUMMARY

 Written in 1989, the United Nations General Assembly’s Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted a code of 54 human rights that focused on the duty of a government entity to care for the children that reside in their political boundaries.  This charming picture book addresses the basic rights deserved by children around the world. Rights such as adequate nutrition, a safe home environment, and capable medical care are addressed in this simplified version of the RIghts of the Child.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Alain Serres' picture book, I Have the Right to Be a Child, was initially published in France.  The translation to English is adeptly executed and fully embraces the concept of children's human rights across the world. The book touches upon children's safety, as well as gender equality, education, political upheaval, and the right to simply play and be creative.

The book should prompt discussions about the quality of life experienced by children throughout the world. The simple text will cause readers of all ages to reflect upon the treatment of children and how it can be improved.  The illustrations contain children of all races and cultures; this visual perspective encourages readers to acknowledge that all children, regardless of race can interact and harmoniously co-exist.
The illustrations by Aurélia Fronty present children in a variety of geographical areas.  Her depiction of a variety of skin tones and traditional clothing styles clearly establish the baseline of the simple storyline.  The infrastructure of the books is composed of the illustrations, and not the text. While the text is thought-provoking, it is the illustrations that illuminate the universal implications of the book.

Overall, the book is well written,  but younger children may not truly comprehend the important message behind the words and illustrations. Older children will need to be prompted to consider the power and context behind this picture book based on the Rights of the Child. However, the extra effort required to explain the significance of the book to younger audiences will inspire a dialogue that will reward both young readers and adults.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPTS 
  • USBBY Outstanding International Books - 2013
  • Children's Literature Assembly Notable Book Award - 2013
  • Chickadee Award Nominee - 2013
  • IRA Notable Books for a Global Society - Commended 2013


Starred review from Kirkus: "Provocative and guaranteed to spark awareness of children’s rights."

 Starred review from International Reading Association: "...this book encourages teachers to use global picture books to explain how conditions are not the same throughout the world."

Review from Publishers Weekly: "Read aloud, the cumulative effect of Serres’s words is inspiring; children may sit up straighter as they hear that someone has thought about all the things they need..."

 Review from New York Times: "...powerful and inspiring picture book..."

 Review from School Library Journal:  "...stunning naïf acrylic illustrations and easy-to-read text. The child narrator’s voice, clear and straightforward, brings this important document to life for the youngest reader."
5.  CONNECTIONS

*Other books by Alain Serres
And Picasso Painted Guernica.  ISBN 978-1741759945


*Other books that human rights

 Amnesty International.  We are all Born Free.  ISBN 978-1847801517
Castle, Caroline. For Every Child. ISBN 978-0803726505
Smith, David J. This Child, Every Child: A Book about the World. ISBN 978-1554534661
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