The Wisdom of the River

What is it?

The Wisdom of the River is the brand-new children’s book created by SCIAF! It follows the story of a community who live on the banks of a wide, flowing river and the decisions they face when a new bridge is built in their town.  

“My hope is that families enjoy reading this book aloud together and learn how flourishing isn’t only about material needs, or simple solutions to complex global issues including poverty and hunger but about many connected solutions.” 

- Elaine McGinlay, Author

 On each page, readers choose what happens next and which characters they wish to speak to, creating an interactive, choose-your-own-story adventure. The book is a gentle introduction to understanding SCIAF’s approach to our work with communities around the world. And it’s also available in Gaelic too! 

What is it about?

The book is rooted in the values of Integral Human Development (IHD) — seeing each individual as a whole human being, with gifts, hopes, relationships, and responsibilities. 

The Wisdom of the River draws on the wisdom of sacred Scripture. You’ll find echoes of many passages in its pages as a reminder of the deep well from which this story draws. 

Guided by the voice of the River, readers journey through a town that has fallen silent. Through its interactive ‘choose your own story’ format, every choice offers lessons linked to human flourishing.  Along the River’s path, readers make choices like whether to join Ama as she catches rain for her seedlings, help Talia with boats trapped by a low bridge, or come together at the town meeting to listen, plan, and help the town ‘sing again’. 

The Wisdom of the River helps the reader discover that no one flourishes alone. It weaves together themes of social, spiritual, and environmental wellbeing - showing that when we listen to one another and act together, people flourish.