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.
Edited by Michael J. Caduto. Illustrated by Odelia Liphshiz.
Green Heart Books, Reading, VT, 2018
160 pages, 8 1⁄2 x 8 1⁄2, full color, 17 illustrations, 20 photographs. Ages 7 & up.
Hardcover
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.
MICHAEL J. CADUTO is an award-winning author of 20 books 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.
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
AWARDS:
• Recipient of the Storytelling World Award & Brimstone Award for Applied Storytelling (National Storytelling Network)
• Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards (finalist)
• Green Earth Book Award (long list)
• Middle East Book Award (nominee)
“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.
“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.
Click here to watch the crowd-funding video that raised funds to make if possible to publish The Garden of Wisdom.