Jane F. Casewit is an educator, translator and editor who spent many years in Morocco and other parts of the Middle East. Her profound interest in symbolism and metaphysics led her to write this story for her children, then for her grandchildren and other children because young children have a natural tendency to goodness and an innate sensitivity to the natural world and a potential relationship with God. They take delight in beauty and are ever curious about the universe, continually asking questions about their surroundings. As their intellects develop, children begin to pose the great questions of life and want to know the meaning of our existence, that of the world and the existence of God. Nourishing a love for the natural world, through the symbols around us, promotes empathy, understanding of others and wider views of global concern.