The Garden of Wisdom: Earth Tales from the Middle East
Traditional stories, with a twist of humor, take children on a journey borne on the wings of their imaginations, revealing knowledge and wisdom to help them care for Earth and live in harmony.
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Life is a journey. These tales, gathered from the keepers of traditional folklore throughout the Middle East, convey life lessons handed down through the generations: protection of endangered species, habitats, and water quality, knowledge of healing plants, and the virtues of truth, justice, and generosity. Time-honored wisdom shows children how to live in kinship with Earth and humankind while celebrating the wonder and beauty of nature.
• Stories arranged by theme: Animals, Plants, Friendship, Stewardship, and Wisdom.
• Exclusive sections for parents and teachers reveal the sources of the stories, suggest lessons to teach from each story, and share the journey behind this unique book.
• Includes a firsthand account of nature and environmental issues in the Middle East.
Awards
Storytelling World Award, Brimstone Award for Applied Storytelling, Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist, Green Earth Book Award (long list) and Middle East Book Award (nominee).
Praise for The Garden of Wisdom
“Featuring Middle Eastern parables with a touch of Aesop about them, Michael Caduto’s Garden of Wisdom rewards the reader over and over.” —Gregory Maguire, New York Times best-selling author of Wicked, Mirror Mirror, Leaping Beauty, and After Alice
“Animals by nature know no borders, at least not by their own construction. Nature unites us, and The Garden of Wisdom is a fine place for us to meet.” —Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle
“Each story is told from the perspective of a unique culture of the Middle East, and yet tugs at familiar strings we all remember from stories told to us as children, reminding us that the earth and humanity’s story are to be cherished and celebrated.” —Magda Nassef (Cairo, Egypt), Consultant for the United Nations Environment Programme
"The Garden of Wisdom is a beautiful way to enter the cultures of the Middle East through local folk stories, wonderful illustrations, and gorgeous photos. I will share this book widely to help promote mutual respect and understanding in the world. The Garden of Wisdom will make a perfect gift for every child and 'child at heart' in your life!" —Sharón Benheim, Coordinator, Martin Springer Center for Conflict Studies, Ben Gurion University (Beersheba, Israel)
"These stories, paired with the warm illustrations by Odelia Liphshiz, celebrate a shared natural and cultural heritage that bridges communities across borders, cultures, and politics. Our greatest hope for peace and environmental protection may rest with the next generation leaders, the young stewards of this earth." —Elizabeth Alling, President & CEO, Quebec-Labrador Foundation/Atlantic Center for the Environment
“True wisdom grows out of both darkness and light, and while most will be familiar with the lessons of hardship that bind people throughout the Middle East, few will be aware that those same people share a single light. That light is Nature, and The Garden of Wisdom is a hopeful beacon to it. The wisdom of this book is a gift which reminds us that, wherever we are, the power of nature is ever at hand to guide us to a better place through the magnificent stories we tell.” —Bill Kilburn, Program Manager, Back To Nature Network, Ottawa, Ontario (of the global Children and Nature Movement)
MICHAEL J. CADUTO is an award-winning author in natural history, environmental education, climate change education, and Earth stewardship, and a master performer of stories and original music. His books include the international bestselling Keepers of the Earth® series (creator/co-author), Pond and Brook, Catch the Wind—Harness the Sun, and Riparia’s River. Look for his books & programs at: www.p-e-a-c-e.net.
ODELIA LIPHSHIZ is an accomplished illustrator and artist based in Israel. She creates worlds of fantasy and wonder for children, and for everyone who is a child at heart. Odelia has illustrated children’s books for A.A Milne, Nurit Zarchi, and more. Says Odelia, “I am a peace seeker, dreamer, and a great believer.” More of her works can be found at: www.Odelialeaf.com.
Ages 7 & up. 160 pages, 8.5 x 8.5, full color, 17 illustrations, 20 photographs.
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9727518-5-8 (Feb. 14, 2018)
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9727518-2-7 (May 1, 2018)
eBook ISBN: 978-0-9727518-3-4