Harmony: A Treasury of Chinese Wisdom for Children and Parents

by Sarah Conover, Chen Hui, Ji Ruoxiao (Illustrator)

"For over two thousand years, the Chinese have used short sayings known as chengyu to sum up practical wisdom and ethical priniciples ... Gathered in this volume are twenty-four of the most popular chengyu and the stories based on them ..."--Back cover of book.

155 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2008

About the author

Sarah Conover holds a BA in comparative religions from the University of Colorado, and an MFA in creative writing from Eastern Washington University. She has worked as a television producer for PBS and Internews (an international media NGO), a social worker for Catholic Charities, a public school teacher, and taught creative writing through the community colleges of Spokane, Washington. She is the author of six books on world wisdom traditions and spirituality published by Skinner House Books, the educational publishing arm of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Her poetry, essays and interviews have been published in a variety of literary magazines and anthologies. She is a feature writer and columnist for Tricycle Magazine: the Buddhist Review and has taught meditation for many years at Airway Heights Corrections Center and within the Spokane community.

Ms. Conover was a recipient of Washington State’s Grants for Artist’s Projects (GAP grant) and writing fellowships from the Ucross Foundation in Clearmont, Wyoming, and the Willapa Bay Artist Residence Program in Oysterville, Washington. She lives in a condo in Spokane, Washington and in her beloved yurtiverse at the base of the North Cascades in Winthrop, Washington, where she and her husband are building a small hermitage for monastic retreats.

Reviews

[Smitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection brings together gentle teachings rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, presenting ideas about balance, respect, and inner peace in a way that feels approachable for both children and adults. The stories and sayings are simple but carry a quiet depth, encouraging reflection on relationships, nature, and self-discipline without feeling overly instructive. Its calm, steady tone makes it ideal for shared reading, though at times the lessons can feel a bit repetitive or overly familiar. Still, its strength lies in its clarity and warmth, offering thoughtful reminders about living harmoniously in everyday life.

[Jeanann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have ALL of Sarah's books, signed and read more than once. Lovely, helpful and enduring. JE