Folktales for a Better World - by Elizabeth Laird (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award

Seven stories celebrating peace, kindness, and forgiveness from seven countries that have all suffered from wars and conflicts in recent times told by an award-winning author.

Will two clans in Ethiopia make peace by throwing their most precious possessions in the river? Can a poor Palestinian shepherd show a rich sultan the value of true kindness? Or will an angel in Afghanistan find a way to turn the selfish Emir into a caring ruler? Buried treasure and an act of forgiveness reunite a father and daughter in Sudan while a camel is the key to choosing a kind and fair ruler for the kingdom of Yemen. Hear the Syrian story of the woodcutter and the lion to discover the meaning of friendship, and then follow nine courageous Uighur princesses of Kashgar, as they bring peace to their kingdom - without any fighting.

The importance of peace and kindness in our lives shines through these timeless, inspirational stories from seven countries, beautifully told and illustrated with empathy and humor.

Review Quotes

"Laird offers folktales from Ethiopia, Sudan, Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and China. Amini adds an exciting visual dimension to traditional oral storytelling, making this an ideal book for story times, read-alongs, or readers who rely on visuals for reading comprehension. In clear, crafted language, the collection presents children with -stories about community, reconciliation, and kindness from people living in hardship ... Playful and serious, fraught and kind, these -stories--and the accompanying illustrations--are -essential, and will be at home when shared, or for one-on-one readings ...."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Elizabeth Laird is an award-winning writer, six times shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. She is known internationally for her powerful novels that explore important social and geo-political issues for young readers. Her bestselling novels include Kiss the Dust, The Garbage King, A Little Piece of Ground and Oranges in No Man's Land among many others. She lives in London and Edinburgh.

Mehrdokht Amini is an Iranian-born illustrator. She has illustrated several books for children including Chicken in the Kitchen by Nnedi Okorafor, which won the 2016 Children's Africana Best Book Award, and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan. She has been nominated for a Kate Greenaway Medal and been invited to participate in the prestigious Bratislava Bienniale of Illustration. She lives in the UK.