Nature's circle

This is Robert James Challenger's fifth collection of beautifully illustrated, easy-to-read short stories that impart practical, moral lessons about life in today's world.

As in Aesop's fables and First Nations legends, animals, birds and insects are the ones who do the teaching. Mother Eagle helps her daughter overcome her sibling rivalry. An encounter with Mosquito teaches a little girl that revenge doesn't make a person feel any better. Little Orca learns from his grandfather that being grown up has very little to do with how big you are.

Exploring a range of contemporary issues, including bullying and dealing with the death of loved ones, these stories are relevant and readable. As appealing to parents and teachers as they are to children, they are a wonderful way to convey values of respect, cooperation and kindness.