This collection of stories highlights different aspects of resilience, as shown through various challenges and experiences.
The first story, “The Enchanted Elm,” follows a prince who is transformed into a tree by a witch. He is eventually turned back into human form with help from a girl, the King of the Trees, and a wizard. “The Big Flood” recounts the experiences of Maria and her family during the 1953 Watersnoodramp in the Netherlands, when they escape their flooding farm and later rebuild their lives after the disaster. In “The Lonely Crawler,” a cockroach, the last of his kind, finds companionship with a moth. Their friendship provides meaning and comfort as they explore the world together. Finally, “The Importance of Soup Joumou on New Year’s Day” tells the story of siblings Junior and Roseline, who celebrate their Haitian heritage by preparing soup joumou, a symbol of resilience and equality that connects them to their ancestors’ struggle for freedom.
These stories emphasize themes of survival, overcoming adversity, and the connections that help people endure challenges. Each story provides a unique perspective on resilience across different cultures and situations.
Imagination over knowledge
