Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) is delighted to announce the launch of its new picture book, ‘Little Fish’, a poignant story inspired by the Garden's geographical setting, weaving together themes of nature and spiritual growth.
Authored by KFBG Chairman Andrew McAulay and beautifully illustrated by Lucy Hinton, ‘Little Fish’ is a charming and insightful tale that encourages readers to contemplate the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the journey of inner transformation and growth.
A Story of Hope and Transformation
‘Little Fish’ is set against the backdrop of Kwun Yum Shan, where KFBG is situated. It tells the story of a little fish living in a rocky pond beneath the sacred mountain who embarks on a journey seeking redemption after discord among companions leads to ecological imbalance. Through arduous leaps and magical metamorphoses, the little fish ultimately grasps the importance of compassion and empathy, and takes action to restore harmony to both nature and its community.
In the foreword, Mr. McAulay states: ‘In the traditional cultures of our ancestors, landscapes were understood more in terms of stories than statistics and these “myths” facilitated an experience of life in which inner and outer realms are not seen as separate, in which the whole world is alive, infused with spirit and treated with reverence. Our modern materialistic culture, for all the benefits it has given us, has lost this sense of reverence and denied us the fulfilment which is our birthright: the experience of our true “nature”. In service of this re-awakening of a deeper and more expansive understanding of nature -- and for the child in each of us -- I offer this story.’
Blending Art, Science and Mindfulness
The creation of ‘Little Fish’ combines science, art and mindfulness education, aligning with KFBG's philosophy of ‘holistic education’. Illustrator Lucy Hinton’s delicate brushwork vividly portrays the natural scenery of Kwun Yum Shan and the story's characters. Scenes within the story echo actual landscapes within KFBG, such as the rockpool in Walter Kerr Garden and the dragons on the pillars in Orchid Haven, allowing readers to connect their reading experience with real-world exploration.
Click here to download the map of Little Fish Loop
Book Details
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Little Fish Details and Order: Link HERE The storybook is now available in paperback in Traditional Chinese and English versions at the Farm Shop at KFBG and leading bookstores, with proceeds supporting KFBG's nature conservation and education projects. Staying true to its environmental values, the book is printed with eco-friendly soy ink on recycled paper. |
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International Expert Recommendations
- ‘Little Fish is a fabulous story, it is a story of an imaginative journey, a pilgrimage and a tale of transformation, told with love and passion. Andrew McAulay presents a poetic narrative in which Nature and supra Nature dance together. Little Fish is a great gift to children as well as to adults. Every word is inspiring, heartwarming and entertaining at the same time. It will make a beautiful birthday present for every child.’ by Satish Kumar, Author of Radical Love
- ‘McAulay has written a powerful story. Children will be fascinated by Little Fish and want to explore streams. And there is a clear conservation message: to save the natural world we must be persistent and never give up.’ by Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace
- ‘Little Fish is an enchantingly illustrated story that explores one of the most important questions of our time: how do we form healthy relationships with the living world?’ by Merlin Sheldrake, Biologist and author of Entangled Life
- ‘This book is so necessary for our time. It brings to people of all ages the spirit that we need to refind our relationship to each other and to this beautiful place that is our home.’ by Prof. Emeritus Rupert Read
- ‘The fish, originally pure and tranquil, forgot its true essence and turned into an arrogant dragon, just as we often forget our initial innocence. Kwun Yum teaches us that the way to rediscover the 'true self' is through compassion. This picture book stems from sincerity, aiming to share the philosophies and wisdom of life.’ by Tsang Man Tung, Theatre and Singing Bowl Artist
- ‘This beautiful story of little fish masterfully weaves resilience, love, compassion, and transformation into a tapestry of timeless wisdom. A captivating journey that warms our hearts and souls, inspiring readers to embrace the strength of courage and faith.’ by Annie Ho, Clinical Psychologist
Enquires
Please email to education@kfbg.org
Related Links
- Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.
- Nature Art Programmes: Immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.
- Nature Education Programmes: Become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different senses to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.
- Group Guided Tours: Led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.
- Corporate Programmes: Our Holistic Education Department staff can design either half-day or full-day nature education and art programmes for corporate staff or their family members based on specific needs. Leveraging the unique natural landscape and cultural ambiance of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, our activities may include guided tours, farm-to-table experiences, nature-based workshops, talks and art activities, aiming to promote understanding and practice of sustainable living for organisations.