It is sure to encourage discussion on our treatment of the environment and relationships with others. Because of this, both grow to have a rich and fulfilling life. They have a relationship of give and take, mutual support. In my book, a girl grows in balance with a wild apple tree. At the end of the book, he still was unfulfilled and unhappy. The boy/man in The Giving Tree continually took from the tree without giving anything in return leaving it a devastated stump. While compassion is a major part of Buddhism, it only creates problems if it is not balanced by wisdom. My first book, The Amida Tree, is a rebuttal of Shel Silberstein’s The Giving Tree. I believe it is important to create picture books that help them develop interpersonal skills and internal strength. I was a grade school teacher for 33 years, 10 of those years as teacher librarian. I keep this in mind in my writing for adults, young people and children. In Buddhism, there is a saying, “We make the world with our minds.” I could write an entire book on what that means but basically what we focus on influences the internal and external world in which we live. This includes being mindful and grateful. I believe a positive attitude is essential for happiness.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |