I Have the Right

A BOOKSTAGANG FUTURE CLASSIC, 2023

A stunningly illustrated and essential volume on children's rights—an introduction for kids and a reminder for adults.

I have the right to have a name and a nationality.

I have the right to the best healthcare.

I have the right to an education.

I have the right to a home where I can thrive.

With poetic text and exceptional art, internationally acclaimed Iranian illustrator Reza Dalvand introduces children to the universal rights they are entitled to under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted in 1989 and ratified by 190 countries, the convention promises to defend the rights of children and to keep them safe, respected, and valued. Dalvand's stunning illustrations speak to children all around the world, some of whose rights are often challenged and must be protected every day.

The afterword, by renowned paediatrician Dr Catherine Gueguen, links these rights to the fundamental building blocks of a stable, safe, and fulfilling life.

‘In 1989, the 140 nations of the United Nations unanimously adopted the Convention of the Rights of the Child ... These rights are named on separate pages so the weight of them can be felt. Rights included are the right to a name, a nationality, healthcare, nutritious food, an education, safety, shelter, protection from violence, and freedom from discrimination. This can be a heavy topic for young readers, but is made easier with lively, comforting, and emotive illustrations done with oil paints, crayons, and markers and assembled digitally.’
-Youth Services Book Review

‘Consider countries worldwide where children don't have rights like education or safety. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child created this in 1989, which reminds and assures us all that children have rights, too. Use this picture book in the classroom to teach human rights and at home to discuss childhood in some other countries.’
-Melissa Taylor, Imagination Soup

‘This wonderful book, written to celebrate the publication of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, is an essential for every school, every library and as many homes as possible. It simply, joyfully and directly reminds every reader, child and adult alike, of the fundamental rights of every child from the minute of their birth ... each of the 16 double-page spreads is devoted to one of the Articles, expressed in the simplest terms and accompanied by Reza Dalvand's distinctive, colourful artwork. He has converted the legalistic language of the Articles into first person statements, which enhances their power, especially if read aloud. It gives the book the feel of a majestic poem which imparts a sense of agency as it is read ... I Have the Right is a profoundly thought-provoking book.’
-V's View from the Bookshelves