The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales - Tapa dura

In this beautiful anthology of folktales, young readers will learn about the way that different cultures around the world set out to live in harmony with the rhythms and patterns of nature. They will discover how to tread lightly on our precious Earth by following the easy eco-tips and by trying out some of the fun and creative activities that accompany each story. Children will discover how the residents of the Kingdom of Benin deep within the Nigerian rainforest consume less and conserve more; how the Comanche Indians respect Mother Earth by giving more than receiving; amongst Bali's coral reefs and volcanic mountain peaks is the lesson that everything in nature is connected.It helps children develop a global awareness and perspective by introducing them to many different cultures in a single collection. It suggests that the centuries-old practice of 'Living Green' is perhaps more relevant today than ever before, and shows how to adapt lifestyles to live in harmony with nature. It features hands-on activities that append each story to help children put green ideals into practice. It is a perfect anthology for the young naturalist, armchair traveller, and all-around curious mind.

This attractive book marries ancient wisdom with modern environmentalism, collecting seven tales from around the world and telling us how to take care of the earth. A Nigerian folk tale about people who ate the sky teaches us not to consume more than we need. A native American story of a lonely girl's prized possession suggests we may have to make sacrifices for the general good. A Welsh fable about an elderly couple, their slop bucket and the fairies in their garden encourages us not to dump rubbish. The stories are interspersed with environmentally friendly crafts and activities, such as how to make a corn dolly. The book's greatest charm is in the bright, decorative illustrations that borrow from primitive art, and in the flashes of imagination in the stories: that bats and stick insects, for instance, came about because envious and dissatisfied mice and insects chose to resemble birds and twigs. The Sunday Times