Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 2000 - CBC/NSTA
在一个被古老森林环绕的宁静小镇,坐落着一处世代相传的隐秘之地——Shelterwood。这里并非一座物理存在的建筑,而是一种古老契约的代称,一种关于保护、传承与新生循环的独特社群。 Shelterwood 的历史可以追溯到几个世纪前,当一群遭受战乱和自然灾害迫害的先民,带着他们珍贵的知识和对自然的敬畏,在这片被森林庇护的土地上扎根。他们并非逃避,而是选择了一种与自然和谐共处的方式,创造了一种自给自足、互助互爱的生活模式。Shelterwood 的核心理念在于“共生”,无论是人与人之间,还是人与自然之间。 这片土地上的人们,被一种无形的纽带紧密相连。他们不追求个人财富的积累,而是将集体的福祉视为最高目标。每个成员都拥有自己独特的技能和知识,从精湛的木工技艺、草药的辨识与运用,到天文学的观察、季节变化的预测,再到音乐、舞蹈和口述历史的传承,这些都是 Shelterwood 宝贵的财富。他们相信,每个人都是社群中不可或缺的一环,只有共同努力,才能维持这个脆弱而美丽的平衡。 Shelterwood 的生活节奏与自然的律动紧密贴合。清晨,当第一缕阳光穿透茂密的树冠,人们便开始了一天的劳作。春耕夏耘,秋收冬藏,每一个季节都有其独特的使命和庆祝方式。他们尊重土地的馈赠,绝不过度索取,而是致力于修复和滋养。森林的每一次生长,河流的每一次奔腾,都成为他们生活的重要灵感来源。 这里的社群成员,尽管年龄、经历各不相同,却始终保持着开放和包容的态度。长者是知识和智慧的源泉,他们会将古老的传说、生存的智慧和对自然的感悟,娓娓道来,传授给年轻一代。年轻人则充满活力和创造力,他们会为社群带来新的视角和活力,并积极地学习和实践着前辈的教诲。 disputes occur, they are resolved through communal dialogue and understanding, aiming for reconciliation rather than punishment. Shelterwood 的存在,不仅仅是为了满足物质上的需求,更重要的是精神上的满足。他们深信,人类并非孤立于自然之外的存在,而是自然界庞大而精妙网络中的一部分。这种深刻的认知,使得他们对生命有着更为虔诚的敬畏之心。他们会定期举行仪式,感谢大自然的恩赐,也反思自身的行为是否与自然法则相符。 然而,Shelterwood 的生活并非全然的田园牧歌。在古老契约的维系下,他们也面临着与外界文明的潜在冲突。当外部世界的扩张和欲望开始 encroached upon the boundaries of their sanctuary, the inhabitants of Shelterwood are called upon to defend not just their physical home, but also their way of life and the delicate balance they have meticulously cultivated. Their methods of defense are not of aggression, but of preservation, of a steadfast commitment to their values and a profound understanding of resilience. Shelterwood is a testament to the enduring power of community, the wisdom of ancient traditions, and the profound interconnectedness of all living things. It is a whispered promise of a different way of living, a reminder that true prosperity lies not in accumulation, but in harmony; not in dominion, but in stewardship; and that within the embrace of nature, a sanctuary for the soul can always be found. It is a story that unfolds not on a grand stage, but in the quiet rustling of leaves, the gentle flow of a stream, and the shared laughter of people who have learned to live as one with the world around them.