by Douglas Wood illustrated by Jon J Muth (Scholastic Press New York 2003) peace with ourselves-peace with each other-peace with the environment highly recommended still available in hard copy - maybe a copy in your local library
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Douglas and Jon (also in The Three Questions) together illuminate the most important things in life. A child is again the hero in this tale, a child who had been searching and travelled far and … “had crossed the Mountains of Imagining and the River of Wondering Why, had found her way through the Forest of Finding Out.”
Humans, believing they had discovered 'the truth', forgot to listen to the breezes and stones and decided to take up arms against each other. A little girl, realising the earth was suffering as a consequence to their actions asked the wise Old Turtle where the missing piece of 'the broken truth' could be found. She wanted peace. But the wise Old Turtle whispered that the humans were not ready to know the secret of 'the broken truth'. When she returned to her people the little girl was not recognised by them or the story of her journey believed. They could not understand her intentions. Finally the humans were ready, and it was time for the broken pieces of 'the truth' to be fitted together. The people began to appreciate the message that could only be truly understood when the broken pieces were again joined together. This wonderful story is also one for all ages to enjoy and share with each other. A child’s determination, courage and innate belief in 'the truth' she had learned from the wise Old Turtle ensured a happy win-win ending would occur for everyone. Critical questions to explore with children
Creative questions to explore with children
© Teaching and Learning for Peace Foundation February 2005 |