This book presents a research-based, three-sided, educational framework for incorporating picture books into the classroom. The triad integrates creative arts, cognitive skills, and learning styles. The purpose of the book is to provide a format that invites and encourages intermediate and middle school teachers and students to explore the rich content, visual beauty, and moving messages found in picture books. The lessons in each section are correlated to readily available picture books. "Times of Pain" looks at history to learn lessons in humanity and includes: (1) "My Hiroshima" by Junko Morimoto; (2) "Rose Blanche" by Roberto Innocenti; (3) "Now Let Me Fly" by Dolores Johnson; and (4) "The Bracelet" by Yoshiko Uchida. "Times of Healing" observes the power of harmony, peace, and cooperation and includes: (1) "The Wall" by Eve Bunting; (2) "Smoky Night" by Eve Bunting; (3) "Sadako" by Eleanor Coerr; and (4) "Let the Celebrations Begin!" by Margaret Wild. "Elements of Cultural Identity" examines ways people experience culture and includes: (1) "O Canada" by Ted Harrison; (2) "This Land is My Land" by George Littlechild; (3) "Tree of Cranes" by Allen Say; and (4) "The Keeping Quilt" by Patricia Polacco. Contains suggested additional resources, a bibliography, and culminating activities for each section. (EH)