for reading aloud. Peace, the AUTHor tells us, does not look for us but is something that must be consciously chosen and worked toward. Spanning the globe, these tales and proverbs are a small step toward achieving peace. Clever stories illustrate to young and old how suspicion, stubBORnness, and fear cause conflict and how cooperation, patience, and understanding help build loving relationships. Especially effective is an ecological tale from the Marshall Islands, in which the whales and the sandpipers nearly destroy each other's habitats through greed. These inventive tales teach without preaching and offer practical solutions to inevitable conflicts. (Reviewed June 15, 1992)

Authentic folk tales and proverbs collected from around the world illustrate the folly of war and indicate ways to achieve peace. While the volume lacks wide popular appeal, it is a thought-provoking, pedagogical vehicle for conflict resolution through story. Bib.

An interesting, useful collection of three dozen short stories and numerous proverbs, intended as discussion starters on war and peace, conflict and cooperation. Several are especially suggested for storytelling with audience participation. The age appeal is wide-ranging: a few, like Slops'' or the two versions ofTwo Goats on the Bridge,'' could be used with preschoolers, while the bleak, enigmatic The Weapon'' is appropriate for teenagers or adults. Without illustrations, the price seems high; still, good material to supplement and contrast with Durrell's The Big Book for Peace (1990). Bibliographies; source notes; suggestions for storytellers. Multicultural index'' not seen. (Folklore. 4+)"

MacDonald's collection of folktales, proverbs and fables from diverse cultures is meant to encourage youngsters to think and talk about how certain actions have peaceful consequences, while others lead to conflict. The importance of patience, understanding and working together is the common theme connecting the selections, which include Zen tales, Japanese and Polynesian legends, Mexican fables and Native American stories. The pieces range widely in length and complexity, from rambling legends that youngsters will need help deciphering, to pithy statements whose message is crystal clear (``All the world smiles in the same language''). Though the relevance of some of the more sophisticated entries may elude young readers, this is a well-intentioned, commendable compilation. Ages 9-up. (July)

Gr 3 Up-- While the quality of these stories is uneven, with some of them seeming more appropriate for adults than for children, storytellers will find the book useful. The collection is arranged into two main sections: Pathways to War'' andPathways to Peace''; the selections are then listed according to the lesson learned. The tales come from all over the globe with many from non-European traditions. Also, pertinent quotes are given in both the original language and in English. Curiously, one tale, Two Goats on the Bridge,'' appears in both sections, with the endings changed to present the options. Children are assaulted by savagery in every form of the media. It is important to presentthe other side,'' the possibility of peace, however fragile. --Mollie Bynum, Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK