With a very simple text accompanied by rich, vibrant illustrations a young narrator describes what it means to be a child with rights -- from the right to food, water and shelter, to the right to go to school, to the right to be free from violence, to the right to breathe clean air, and much more. The book emphasizes that these rights belong to every child on the planet, whether they are "black or white, small or big, rich or poor, born here or somewhere else." It also makes evident that knowing and talking about these rights are the first steps toward making sure that they are respected. A brief afterword explains that the rights outlined in the book come from the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989. The treaty sets out the basic human rights that belong to children all over the world, recognizing that children need special protection since they are more vulnerable than adults. It has been ratified by 193 countries, with the exception of Somalia and the United States. Once a country has ratified the document, they are legally bound to comply with it and to report on their efforts to do so. As a result, some progress has been made, not only in awareness of children's rights, but also in their implementation. But there are still many countries, wealthy and poor, where children's basic needs are not being met. To read a summary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, go to www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf.

What are rights? Why do we have rights? Who has rights? Who bestows these rights? Do we need a document outlining our rights? What does it mean to have rights in the 21st century? What do rights mean to different people in different parts of the world? In 1989, world leaders decided that children needed a special convention - a legally binding international instrument - incorporating all the minimum entitlements and freedoms of all children that should be respected by governments. Drawn up by the United Nations, the Convention on the Rights of the Child comprises of 54 articles and has been signed by 193 countries. This exquisitely beautiful picture book takes the articles of the Convention and translates them into a language children can understand, in a non-preachy manner and with full-page artwork to illustrate each of these articles. Topics covered include food and water, healthcare, housing, poverty, international development, gender, race, the environment, disability, education, citizenship, family, war and freedom of speech. AGES: 6+ AUTHOR: Alain Serres was born in 1956 in Biarritz, France. He was a school teacher for thirteen years before turning his hand to publishing. In 1996 he founded the independent French publisher, Rue du Monde, of which he is still the Director. Alain has written more than eighty titles for children. Aurelia Fronty was born in born in France in 1973. After graduating from the art school of Duperre in Paris, she went on to work in fashion before turning her hand to children's illustration. She has illustrated over forty children's titles. SELLING POINTS: have the right to be a child is endorsed by Amnesty International UK and we are very pleased to be working with Amnesty in raising awareness of human rights through education. For more information about Amnesty's work, educational resources and the full Convention on the Rights of the Child (in child-friendly language) visit: www.amnesty.org.uk/education REVIEWS: "This beautifully illustrated book takes key articles of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child and presents them as deceptively simple - but open - questions that explore the nature of, necessity for, and responsibilities that must accompany our 'rights' as citizens of this planet. Every turn of the page reveals a new opportunity to explore assumptions about our entitlements as human beings, and consider the implications of turning them into a ratified treaty. For example, 'If girls and boys are different, can our rights be exactly the same?' 'Can playing be a right too?' 'How about the right to breathe clean air?' Intended to provoke both independent thought and group discussion, this slim little paperback certainly has the potential to become an immensely valuable KS2 resource - as well as being an appealing, inspiring and accessible read in its own, well, right." -Teach Primary Colour illustrations

A comprehensive analysis and innovative, holistic interpretation of the child's right to development.

The problem -- The right to a family -- The right to control your body -- Sanctions -- The future -- Unexpected consequences -- When?

This unique book offers a simple and practical method of selecting the right instrument for the individual child. Starting with the physical and emotional make-up of the child and using questionnaires and charts, the authors systematically explain the pros and cons of various instruments. For instance, a child who loves company might not enjoy playing the piano as it is predominantly a solo instrument. It appeals more to quiet introverts and yet many a child has been forced to learn only to give up as soon as they are allowed. As well as examining each individual instrument, the authors give advice on how some of the pitfalls can be avoided and provide information on buying and practising. Based on years of research by the authors, whose experience is unsurpassed, this is a comprehensive and inspirational book that will help unlock every child's potential.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 is one of the most highly ratified human rights treaties in the world, with 192 states currently signed up to it. Article Twelve is fundamental to the Convention and states that all children capable of forming views have the right to express those views, and recognises that all children have the right to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting them. This book explores the historical and theoretical background to Article Twelve, and examines the various models of participation which have been created to facilitate a better understanding of this provision. Aisling Parkes analyzes the extent to which Article Twelve has been implemented under international law, and in domestic law, as well as setting-out recommendations for the most effective ways of implementing Article Twelve in all areas of children’s lives.