When all of creation—trees, stones, ants, the sky, fish—begins arguing over who or what God is, quiet Old Turtle is the only one who has the wisdom and ability to see beyond herself to capture the essence. Old Turtle, after silencing the crowds with her understanding, makes a prediction about the appearance of a new “family of beings” in the world. These beings, humans, do appear, and soon are fighting among themselves over the nature of God. It is only when people start listening to the mountains and winds and stones and stars that they actually begin to hear—and to heal the earth. Scholastic Press (2001).

When the Selfish Giant builds a high wall around his lovely garden to keep the children out, the North Wind blows, the Frost comes and the Snow dances through the trees. The Giant wonders why Spring never comes to his cold, white garden. Then one day the Giant looks out to see a most wonderful sight… spring has returned thanks to an unusual child. As the Giant begins to welcome the children back, opening his heart to their presence, he is eventually rewarded by this tiny Christ-like child. Red Fox (2015).

The author revisits this oft-told tale to demonstrate the pleasures of collaboration and mutual generosity. Two hungry travelers, denied food by the inhabitants of a mountain village, publicly declare that they can make soup from a stone. Only they need a carrot… and a potato… and a few more ingredients to make it taste really good. Everyone in the town contributes something, pronounces the soup delicious and learns the magic behind it: sharing. August House Publishers (2005).