The Garden of Wisdom

Recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s prestigious Brimstone Award for Applied Storytelling, in recognition of the transformative properties of storytelling on individuals and communities.



Traditional stories, take children on a journey borne on the wings of their imaginations. Life is a journey. Who dares to enter The Garden of Wisdom to be tested? Who seeks to be moved by empathy and love to discover a place of caring and compassion for all living things? Who likes to laugh, and enjoys a great story? From the heights of Mount Hermon to the depths of the Dead Sea, the Middle East is a land of stories that reveal the wonder and beauty of nature. The time-honored wisdom of these traditional tales lights a path that shows children of all ages how to live in harmony with Earth and humankind. 


Ten years in the making, The Garden of Wisdom: Earth Tales from the Middle East presents authentic tales that were gathered from oral tradition among the traditional keepers of stories throughout the Middle East. Stories are 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 an enlightening essay about nature and environmental issues in the Middle East.


REVIEWS



“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


“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) 


ABOUT THE EDITOR AND ILLUSTRATOR



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 and 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