Tree with Golden Apples - by Susan Strauss (Paperback)

About the Book

"In this beautifully illustrated book, author Susan Strauss takes readers on a magical journey through the world of plants by telling twelve myths from around the world that showcase everything from the creation of corn to the tree of life, from how plants provide medicine to the importance of death in the plant world as a requirement for the renewal of life. For every myth, Dr. Ian Edwards then explores an aspect of the science found in each, making connections between the botanical and agricultural wisdom found throughout, further unfolding our understanding of the interconnectedness of Indigenous wisdom and science. The author also shares her vast knowledge of the art of storytelling, as she encourages readers to tell the stories themselves"--

Book Synopsis

Tree With Golden Apples is a collection of twelve evocative stories drawn from world myths that reveal both the beauty and truth offered to humans by the plant kingdom. Susan Strauss, a renowned professional storyteller, and educator, begins each section with insights and ideas to help new and established storytellers tell stories in the best way possible. Following each story, the scientific significance of the story is explained, providing a depth of content and connection for the storyteller and the audience. These stories help us connect the rich oral tradition to the world around us.

Review Quotes

"Susan Strauss expertly weaves myth, storytelling, and science in this gem of a book. She includes the natural cycles of life and death seen in nature and mirrored in the dance all humans encounter throughout our history. This connection of people and plants encourages our own personal desire to sink our hands in the rich, cool soil of the garden and grow something miraculous." --Christine Capra, Coauthor and Editor, The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy (CRC Press, 2019); Cofounder of the Horticultural Therapy Institute

"Tree with Golden Apples is that rare book that can only be called a gorgeously integrated work of art. Content (stories, scientific information, storytelling guidance and vibrant illustrations) and form (the way the book is organized and presented) all combine to create an inspired and inspiring whole. A treasure for storytellers, parents and children, interpreters, those interested in marrying literature with science, and of course, lovers of trees." --Linda Sussman, Ph.D. author, The Speech of the Grail: A Journey Toward Speaking That Heals and Transforms

"As a celebrated storyteller, Susan Strauss intuitively understands how human beings are hardwired from our evolutionary history, from our biology, that cellular net stronger and even more subtle than spider silk to connect our roots through the act of telling stories which is a literal expiration, a breathing out of spirit." --Shelton Johnson, Acclaimed Storyteller, Author, and Interpreter

I love this book. I recognize it as a deep and generous gift for these perilous times when we need so badly to draw on the full palette of human understanding, past and present, logical and lyrical, science and story. --Susan Cross, Director, TellTale, UK

Susan Strauss is the "gold standard" of storytelling. Whether on the page or on the stage, she never fails to kindle the fire of memory and recall to us the oldest wisdom and most practical knowledge. She is both profound and delightful, mesmerizing and authoritative, deeply rooted in the study of science and wonderfully gifted in the art form of storytelling. Like Scheherazade of old, Susan Strauss brings the medicine of story to us on a dark night of the soul, reminding us all of creation is pulsing with intelligence, wonder and healing. --Will Hornyak, Storyteller

Tree With Golden Apples is a Winner in the 2024 Storytelling World Awards Program

Finalist for Science/Nature/Environment category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, which is the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers.

About the Author

Susan Strauss is a storyteller, visiting children's author, natural history author, keynote speaker, creator of The Passionate Fact Interpretive Training Workshop (TM) on Storytelling Science, Natural History & Cultural Information, an environmental educator, natural history interpreter and studying eurythmist. She is recognized internationally as a storyteller of natural history performances, combining mythic/traditional story with personal anecdote and scientific information to provoke an experience of natural archetypes, including: water, wolves, weather, coyotes, plants, marine life, lands