The Tao of Books Childrens Books

Susan Jeffers

"How can you buy the sky? How can you own the rain and the wind?" So begin the moving words attributed to a great American Indian chief - Chief Seattle - over 100 years ago. They are the words that eloquently capture the central belief of Native Americans: that this earth and every creature on it is sacred, and that man's heedless abuse of nature will lead to his own destruction. Beautifully illustrated by Susan Jeffers, this is a book much loved by adults as well as children.

32pp, 12x9, illus. ... Paperback

Price: £5.99

A CHILD'S BOOK OF ANGELS Ref: BX88

Joanna Crosse

A small boy’s guardian angel appears to him one evening when he cannot get to sleep, and takes him on a guided tour of the angelic realm, introducing the entire hierarchy of angels and explaining the ways in which they work on behalf of the planet. The dialogue between child and angel explores wide-ranging themes and is based on the belief systems of Judaism, Christianity, and the Western pagan traditions. A Child’s Book of Angels also features the magnificent illustrations of Olwyn Whelan. Ages 8+.

64pp, 10x9, illus. ... Hardback

Published price £12.99 -- You save £3.00 ... 23%

Price: £9.99

COOL CATS, CALM KIDS: Relaxation & Stress Management for Young People Ref: 2603A

Mary L Williams

"Cats are so successful with relaxation that Colorado therapist Mary Williams is teaching their techniques to kids! Williams has adapted nine "cat secrets" for keeping cool and calm (learned from the "nine lives", of course). A long-time cat lover herself, she knows that kids and animals are a natural match, and cats have stress-management down to a science. From relaxation procedures (Catnaps) to assertiveness (Meowing), cats set positive examples for kids to follow. Whether its smile and be friendly (Purr, Purr) or trying again and again until you succeed, Williams believes cats are excellent teachers, and she interprets their natural techniques to help kids develop life-long skills for relaxation and stress reduction. Cool Cats, Calm Kids offers practical exercises for today's kids in an easy-to-use format, with help from beautiful drawings of cats and kids by noted book illustrator Diane O'Quinn Burke. Cool Cats, Calm Kids also contains an "Adult Purr-spective" section for parents, teachers and counselors. Cool Cats, Calm Kids is "must" reading for anyone with a cat and a kid -- or just a cat and themselves!" - Midwest Book Review.

32pp, 5x7.75, illus. ... ISBN 0915166941 ... Paperback

Published price £8.50 -- You save £2.71 ... 32%
Price: £5.79

KING BOB'S NEW CLOTHES Ref: BV64

Dom DeLuise

King Discombobulated (Bob for short) has his priorities all mixed up. He loves new clothes more than anything in his kingdom. Yet his clothes are so silly that his royal subjects can hardly avoid laughing at their king. One day a pair of smooth-talking tailors shows up in town. They promise to make the king a suit of magical cloth that can only be seen by the pure of heart. The king is thrilled! But when he parades through town wearing nothing but his magic threads, will anyone have the courage to tell the king the naked truth? Ages 4-8.

40pp, 8x10, illus. ... Paperback

Price: £5.99

LOVE FLUTE Ref: IG189

Paul Goble

In love with a beautiful girl, but too shy to tell her, a young man leaves his camp in frustration. One night he receives mystical visitors who offer him a special gift - a love flute. A gift from the birds and animals, it tells the girl of his love where words had failed. Based on an exquisite legend of the Plains Indians. Suitable for ages 5 to 8.

40pp, 9¼x8¼, illus. ... Paperback

Price: £5.50

THE TALE OF RABBIT AND COYOTE Ref: IG203

Tony Johnston & Tomie dePaola

Foolish Coyote is deceived again and again by trickster Rabbit in this humorous and feisty children's tale, rooted in the folklore of Oaxaco, Mexico. Handsomely illustrated, and as zesty and colourful as Mexicana itself, this book is sure to delight and amuse.

32pp, 10x8½, illus. ... Paperback

Published price £6.99 -- You save £3.00 ... 43%

Price: £3.99

THIRTEEN MOONS ON TURTLE’S BACK: A Native American Year of Moons Ref: IG164

Joseph Bruchac & Jonathon London

In Native American legend, the thirteen scales on Old Turtle’s back hold the key to the thirteen cycles of the moon and the changing seasons. This is a book of lyrical poems and beautiful paintings that celebrate the wonder of each of the seasons, from the Northern Cheyenne’s Moon of the Popping Trees to the Big Moon of the Abenaki. An unusual and intelligent introduction to Native American culture, which instils a deep respect for nature.

32pp, 10x8, illus. ... Paperback

Price: £5.95

WATAKAME'S JOURNEY: The Story of the Great Flood & the New World Ref: BX89

Hallie Love

The flood and the creation myth of the Huichol Indian people of Mexico is told through the brilliantly colored yarn paintings of shaman Gaudalupe Barajas de la Cruz and other Huichol artists. This remarkable art form, with its clear, colorful figures and traditional symbols and motifs, has strong visual appeal for both young people and adults. In this story a Huichol boy plays a role similar to Noah's -- though Watakame's odyssey is more complex and magical. He been selected by Nakawe, the creator of all growing things, to escape the coming flood and begin human life again in the new world. Nakawe tells him to build a small boat and to bring him fire, the seeds of squash, beans, and corn, and one companion -- a small dog When the flood waters recede, Watakame witnesses the recreation of the sun and all living things. Nakawe helps Watakame find a wife and instructs him in planting, harvesting, and making offerings to the gods The Huichol are his descendants He instructs them in the proper way of living and teaches them joyful songs, prayers, and dances to please the gods and celebrate the beautiful new world that is their home. The story, which has been carefully researched, offers a view into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of an indigenous group that has only recently become known outside its traditional homelands. Ages 9-12.

86pp, 10x8, illus. ... Hardback

Our normal price £10.99 -- You save £1.00 ... 9%

Price: £9.99

THE WHALES' SONG Ref: AY53

Dyan Sheldon & Gary Blythe

Dyan Sheldon's poetic, rhythmic text and Gary Blythe's haunting oil paintings tell how a small girl believes the whales will come - if only she can find the secret of how to call them. "One of the most beautiful, poetic, mysterious and overwhelming picture books you are ever likely to read..." - Books for Your Children. This book won the 1990 Kate Greenaway Medal.

Price: £5.99