“Where in the World is Peace?” may sound like an existential question that calls for a deep, philosophical answer.

Valerie Ang-Cheng mulled over the question and penned her answers in the form of a children’s picture book, her first, aptly titled, “Where in the World is Peace?”

Perfect for storytelling time, the book uses simple language that even a four-year-old can understand, accompanied with delightful illustrations by Zuzana Svobodová.

Through its protagonists, the book expresses how kids are in control of their feelings and that there are tools they can use such as breathing, mindfulness, meditation, letting go, and affirmations to help them find Peace.

Writing a children’s book had been on Valerie’s mind since giving birth to her youngest child back in 2016. But the mother of three was too busy with her mummy duties that she never found time to pursue her dream.

And then the Covid-19 pandemic happened. It was a life-changer.

She realised that her kids (ages 5, 7, and 10) were very much affected by the pandemic. The Singapore-based mom noticed her own children started acting up and having meltdowns despite the couple’s efforts to distract them. This was the spark which compelled her to get her message out there and, with a little nudge from her husband Jeff, made it her mission to complete her illustrated picture book.

“Now more than ever, everyone is experiencing anxiety and stress, and I want to help children empower themselves to find their ‘Peace’, Valerie points out.

Her book’s message mirrors her strong mental health advocacy: “Everyone experiences anxiety, stress, and big-feeling moments at some point, but eventually we will find our peace with some simple exercises.”  

“I know we all stress about regrets over the past and we all worry about the future… So instead of spending our time worrying, this book teaches us simple strategies to cope with that stress,” she says.

The self-published author says her book serves as a good reminder for all of us, young and old, to accept things that we have no control over and to always be in the present moment. 

Through the book's character, parents and guardians get a glimpse of children's various emotions that adults might find hard to explain. 

Valerie’s colourful 40-page picture book underscores that children are more empowered to cope with stress and anxiety, resulting in inner peace and happiness when adults acknowledge these feelings.

Having no prior experience in writing, she knows she has a long way to go in this journey. She is determined to get her message across to as many people as possible.  

“It is surreal to have my book out there,” reflects Valerie, who is now working on her second children’s picture book. “I am on a quest to write more books to make the world a happier and more peaceful place by exploring kids' big questions.”

“I want to ask and explore their questions, raise awareness of their issues, share my approach as a mum of three, and learn from other parents, and experts too,” explains this mum on a mission. 

Since its release in April this year, “Where in the world is Peace?” has been gaining traction and support from the community. It has received glowing testimonials from parents, social workers, teachers, and kids of all ages. Available in e-book, hard copy and paperback versions, “Where in the World is Peace?” has crossed borders since its release, selling hundreds of copies to-date. Proceeds of the sales will go to two important causes as Valerie advocates for children’s mental health and well-being: Projects of the International Justice Mission to eradicate Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, and Projects by the International Association of Human Values, to help youth affected by war. 

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we took a page from Valerie’s book and channelled our difficulties to creating positivity? 

Karmela | ws

Join Valerie’s conversations on issues that affect children's mental health and wellness: 

https://www.facebook.com/booksbyvalcheng/ 

https://www.instagram.com/booksbyvalCheng/

Where in the World is Peace? is available on paperback and e-book version on Amazon through this link: http://getbook.at/WhereintheWorldisPeace/