The Best of Friends

As part of my Bachelor's of Education degree (over twenty years ago now!) we were asked to write a children's story. I chose to rewrite Shel Silverstein's classic, The Giving Tree. I always felt this touching story was a little too sad. Moreover, I felt it missed the opportunity to impart an important perspective. The messages of stewardship and symbiosis, central to the First Nations and Aboriginal cultures the world over.This is the message I hope this book can share with the new...
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As part of my Bachelor's of Education degree (over twenty years ago now!) we were asked to write a children's story. I chose to rewrite Shel Silverstein's classic, The Giving Tree. I always felt this touching story was a little too sad. Moreover, I felt it missed the opportunity to impart an important perspective. The messages of stewardship and symbiosis, central to the First Nations and Aboriginal cultures the world over.This is the message I hope this book can share with the new generations of young people. As a Canadian of Metis heritage I feel it is an important message. There are other parts of First Nations culture touched upon as well. I have taken literary license in their incorporation. Tobacco and smudging are sacred rites and they are meant to show respect just not necessarily the way they are portrayed here. Flutes and love songs are also a part of many cultures as are canoes and the use of lodge poles. I hope this book can also act as a springboard for further study. I hope you will add it your your own library or maybe that of someone you love. It would be a useful addition as part of an international mindedness curriculum or for incorporating into a literature study unit alongside The Giving Tree.I hope you and your classes enjoy it!