Reach And Teach says:

The cycle of violence sometimes seems to be impossible to stop. Then, somehow, someone, some group, says "enough." This is a book that illustrates how hard it is to reach that point, and how critical it is to be the one to say "stop." Every child, every adult, every person needs to read this incredibly beautiful book. Some day, somwhere, someone will say "What inspired me to finally bring an end to the violence was The Forgiveness Garden."

The story is universal. The illustrations are powerful and communicate the emotions of the characters with stunning clarity.

This is surely a book that truly does have the power to transform the world.

About the Book:

A long time ago and far away--although it could be here, and it could be now--a boy threw a stone and injured a girl. For as long as anyone could remember, their families had been enemies, and their towns as well, so it was no surprise that something bad had happened.

Hate had happened. Revenge had happened. And that inspired more hate and more calls for revenge. But this time, a young girl decided to try something different...

Inspired by the original Garden of Forgiveness in Beirut, Lebanon, and the movement that has grown up around it, Lauren Thompson has created a timeless parable for all ages that shows readers a better way to resolve conflicts and emphasizes the importance of moving forward together.

Rave Reviews (just a sampling):

"There are many possible paths to peace, but learning forgiveness is essential to all of them, as this book demonstrates.”--Kirkus

"The purposeful messages are balanced by the personal story that shows how difficult it can be to create peace, and the afterword will help kids connect news headlines with their own schoolyard standoffs." -- Booklist

"This is a thought-provoking gateway into discussions about conflict, war, and, most importantly, the ability of willing souls to strive for reconciliation and forgiveness." -- School Library Journal

About the Author and Illustrator:

AUREN THOMPSON is the bestselling author of numerous picture books, including the Little Quack series. Her previous book for Feiwel and Friends is Ballerina Dreams. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and their son.

CHRISTY HALE has illustrated many picture books and is also the author of The East-West House. She lives in Palo Alto, California, with her husband and their daughter.

Book Details:

• Published by Feiwel & Friends October 2012
• Hardcover
• ISBN: 9780312625993
• ISBN10: 0312625995
• Picture Book
• 8 1/2 x 10 inches, 32 pages, Full-color illustrations + ends
• Age Range: 4 to adult
• Grade Range: K to adult