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The Walking Stick
"Our Choice outstanding book selection, CCBC Outstanding Book, Parent Council"
In this exquisitely wrought tale, young Van finds a walking stick at the foot of a huge teak tree. Blessed by Buddha, it becomes his talisman, his life long link to the past, and the support he will need to carry him into the uncertain future. For when the winds change blow, not even the deep forest of Vietnam remain safe. With the walking stick and his indomitable spirit, Van leads his family to safety and new land. Though the years pass in peace, the ever-present tap, tapping at the brass-tipped walking stick is Van's constant reminder of the customs, voices, and land he will always remember with love. When the stick's long odyssey is finally over, it is Van's granddaughter who carries it home and places it at Buddha's feet.
"The Walking Stick" is a tribute to all those who must see beyond the next hill.
In this exquisitely wrought tale, young Van finds a walking stick at the foot of a huge teak tree. Blessed by Buddha, it becomes his talisman, his life long link to the past, and the support he will need to carry him into the uncertain future. For when the winds change blow, not even the deep forest of Vietnam remain safe. With the walking stick and his indomitable spirit, Van leads his family to safety and new land. Though the years pass in peace, the ever-present tap, tapping at the brass-tipped walking stick is Van's constant reminder of the customs, voices, and land he will always remember with love. When the stick's long odyssey is finally over, it is Van's granddaughter who carries it home and places it at Buddha's feet.
"The Walking Stick" is a tribute to all those who must see beyond the next hill.
22 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1998
About the author
Maxine Trottier
58 books31 followersMaxine Trottier is the award-winning writer of numerous books for young people, including Claire's Gift (winner of the Mr. Christie's Book Award), Laura: A Childhood Tale of Laura Secord, the Circle of Silver Chronicles, and The Tiny Kite of Eddy Wing (winner of the CLA Book of the Year Award).
A former teacher and an avid sailor, Maxine has long been fascinated by history. She is now an associate member of La Société des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan, whose purpose is "to honour the memory of these courageous people." While researching Alone in an Untamed Land, Maxine discovered that she herself is directly descended from a fille du roi.
Maxine lives in the small outport of Newman's Cove in Newfoundland, with her husband William and their Yorkie Moon.
A former teacher and an avid sailor, Maxine has long been fascinated by history. She is now an associate member of La Société des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan, whose purpose is "to honour the memory of these courageous people." While researching Alone in an Untamed Land, Maxine discovered that she herself is directly descended from a fille du roi.
Maxine lives in the small outport of Newman's Cove in Newfoundland, with her husband William and their Yorkie Moon.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 17, 2013
A young boy's treasured walking stick, made from a teak tree outside the Buddhist temple in his village in Vietnam, accompanies him as he wanders, marries, leaves his war-torn country, and travels far away. It is returned to his village many, many years later - by his granddaughter. Illustrations are bright and collag-y without being actual collage. I love the illustrator's dedication: "For those who have the courage to walk a different path, to those who find strength in walking alone, to independent spirits, but especially for Sacha, who was with me throughout this work, and born when it was finished - a beautiful masterpiece."
March 31, 2010
Interesting story with a mystic touch. The story spans a lot of generations, though, which might make it difficult for little ones to follow.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews