“Ina is a wonderful story teller – the most significant compliment that can be paid to an author. Her stories, teacher study suggestions and website represent sparkling steps along the path toward Peace.”
Jerry Piasecki, Humanitarian Author, Founder of the UN Global Peace School Programme
“Ina’s stories are an excellent tool for parents, teachers and children”.
Trudy Brand Jacobsen, Guidance Counsellor, former Principal, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Canada
“In all of her work, Ina has a gift for using story to examine the many aspects of holistic peacebuilding. Her children’s books allow the reader to learn, practice, and explore – all at the same time.”
Kristin Famula, President, National Peace Academy, US
“Ina Curic is contributing to a new world. In an era of oppression, sexism and militarism she is not analyzing and criticizing the reality but rather creating a positive, wonderfully written and illustrated alternative for children and adults”.
Dr. Gal Harmat, UN University for Peace and Kibbutzim College of Education
“In her new storytelling project Ina carries academic knowledge and international work experience to a new field: that of children and parents – with the added brilliant idea that both can benefit from the same stories and the processes around them where most have separated child-rearing and parental training.”
Jan Oberg, Director, Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research
“Ina’s gift for writing combines the enthusiastic heart of a caring mother with the intellectual capacity to communicate complex connections between the health of body and soul. Her stories are entertaining, teaching without lecturing, full of vision and phantasy – simply a pleasure to read for both grown-ups and kids”.
Annette Schiffmann, Creator of the travel exhibition “Half of Heaven – 99 Women and You”
“Ina’s world of “imagine creatively” is a great discovery. Her books take you onto a beautiful journey of discovery and exploration rooted in deep values of love, compassion and peace both for ourselves, others and our world. Her stories carry profound and deep messages that transcend age. Her deep message is “creativity springs out when you embrace your unique self “. What an important and valuable lesson. Our acceptance of our uniqueness sets us free and that liberates others too.
Ina’s stories go far beyond often over-simplified stories of self-love, confidence and love for our world. They are told with the skilled narrative of a professional author who is able to communicate message of deep value in a fun and creative way.” Brajna Greenhalgh, Researcher & TFF Associate, www.transnational.live
Reviews for Mirabelle’s Forest Garden
Published November 2017. Get it online here: “Mirabelle’s Forest Garden”(Sustainable Gardening).
International Book Awards: 2017 Nautilus Silver
Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice 2018
“Brilliant tale of how a young girl can take gigantic steps in making the world more environmentally friendly, starting with her own back yard (…). An interesting and exciting story, the educational value it provides knows no bounds. Information about beneficial plants, landscapes and the animals which can enjoy the bounty of it all is vast, not only in illustration, but also with extensive information about each. (…) People around the world can easily benefit from this book, which appeals not only to children but to adults alike.” Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite Full review here.
A delightful book for the young gardener.” Carolyn Nutall, Author, Outdoor Classrooms, Australia
“This inspiring and empowering book will delight and charm children, with a wise story, stunning illustrations and beautiful poetry.” Lusi Alderslowe, Children in Permaculture Network, www.childreninpermaculture.com
“Mirabelle’s Forest Garden is a much needed and beautiful addition to elementary permaculture education – it interweaves educational activities and questions with community building and plant knowledge seamlessly with colorful and engaging artwork and playful but detailed writing. Bravo!” Matt Powers, author of The Permaculture Student series, www.thepermaculturestudent.com
” A little girl builds community and sustainability. Mirabelle pursues her project with spirit and determination, inspiring us all to learn more about plants and perennial gardens. The imagery is beautiful and the story engaging. Well done!” Karl Treen, Author, www.FoodForestCardGame.com
Mirabelle’s Forest Garden is a fun and engaging story that will keep young readers engaged. The story has a positive way of challenging the status quo of previously boxed in thinking about the segregation of food. Once read, the mind of a young person will be filled with ways of designing and planting food growing systems that both heal people and the planet. Nicholas Burtner, Director of the School of Permaculture, www.schoolofpermaculture.com
“A wonderful engaging book so necessary as a resource for the growing Garden Pedagogy that gives so much hope for the hearts and minds of our future decision makers”. Janet Millington, Outdoor Classrooms Approach to Learning, www.outdoorclassrooms.com.au
Mirabelle’s Forest Garden teaches children to trust their dreams, which is extremely important by itself. The book also presents important concepts in a way that’s easy for children to understand like permaculture, perennial plants, and mushroom growing. “Forest Garden Dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.” John Wages, Publisher, Permaculture Design Magazine, www.permaculturedesignmagazine.com
“Great conversation starter with children about the importance of community, bio-diversity, asking for help and at the same time following one’s dreams.“ Santiago Miranda, Molinos Verdes de Moringa, Costa Rica
“After reading the story to our seven year old son, he promptly got to work, with pen and paper, designing his own forest garden. He did not stop for the rest of the day and ideas continued to flow many days later…This book contains magic that unleashed his imagination and helped him to enter into our world in a way that is truly contributive in unique in astonishing ways.” Robyn Veraart, The Transylvania School of Self Sufficient Living, www.provisiontransylvania.com
“A story that goes beyond trees and plants to community building and caring for others. Heart-fuelled inspiration for how we can address skepticism towards new visions with kindness.” Jenn Matchain, The Green Diary, Ireland, www.thegreendiary.com
Reviews for Anagrania’s Challenge
Turning Conflict into Opportunity (Whole Nutrition Series)
Books Awards: Winner of Honorable Mention, International Writers Award 2019
“Anagrania’s Challenge addresses very real challenges in today’s world in a delightful book that will both charm and educate the young reader. This little story is packed full of valuable lessons for both young and old. Brilliant.” 5-Star Review, Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite
“Anagrania’s Challenge transforms a common children’s story theme into a lesson on self-love, creative conflict resolution, and wholesome eating. Through the voice of an empowered heroine, readers of all ages are encouraged to honor their uniqueness and trust their instinct – all while using a challenging situation to create new positive solutions that work for everyone.” Kristin Famula, President, US National Peace Academy
“A truly fabulous and fun book for anyone who wants to teach their children about the true values of love, compassion and peace. I particularly like the creativity on choosing the names and educating us on grain names. If we remember the characters we shall also remember something factual and important. How brilliant! (…) The songs go along very well to accompany the theme of her books. They are very funny, funky and upbeat but with a serious message at the same time.” Brajna Greenhalgh, Researcher & Associate, Transnational Foundation for Peace TFF, https://transnational.live
“Anagrania’s Challenge’ is a beautifully created story that offers clear and simple guidance on three subjects vital to our shared future on Earth: what we need to be ourselves, what we need to be healthy, and that acceptance of uniqueness and creatively dealing with conflict are essential if we are to live together and celebrate the benefits and advantages of our differences. Let us hope that Ina’s and Varga’s book inspires adults to learn what we might, in a better world, teach our children by example. In the meantime, perhaps their book will teach children so that they can teach us!” Robert J. Burrowes, Co-founder, The People’s Charter to Create a Nonviolent World
https://thepeoplesnonviolencec
“The “grain” analogy used in this story simply and beautifully captures important concepts that are lacking in our world today, namely, appreciating individual diversity and uniqueness, understanding and use of diversity in food choices to enhance our nutrition, and how to peacefully resolve conflicts in diverse populations.” Mary Sebert, International Program Nurse Manager, MGH Global Health, Boston
“As chef and recipe creator I always aim to put together ingredients that are nutritious, an instinct that was formed in my childhood. Anagrania’s story can instill in children a strong belief that old variety foods, natural and organic, are richer in vitamins and minerals. This is important to guide their nutritional choices in adulthood. I hope the effect of this story will include children’s insistence for parents to look for old grain varieties, einkorn, kamut and spelt, and find recipes to prepare them. Thus, any meal can become a fairytale”. Teodora Czentye, Raw-Vegan Chef & Nutrition Educator
“Great story with two strong messages: one about modern nutrition, how we forgot about the old, healthy grains and embraced the refined ones just because they are easier to cook although less nourishing. The second message brings a very good lesson: “Be yourself! Fit out if needed!” We can easily identify ourselves with Anagrania at some point in our life when we were more into pleasing others. She becomes unhappy, unable to recognize herself but has the guts to take a stand. By this she is transforming not only herself but everyone around her.” Cristina Roman, Health Coach and mother of three
“A great story, a wholesome affair. The author weaves profound themes through the life of a young princess. Anagrania’s response to the stereotype impositions on her life takes the form of a protest backed by a brilliant, progressive proposal. As an African mother, I embrace the story because Anagrania represents so well the struggles of the African girl-child who, beset with fast changing trends, must find self-acceptance. For Anagrania, it begins with self-awareness. This story gives us the opportunity to explore the uniqueness and richness of our beauty in diversity. I am sure the little girls in Africa would be captivated by Anagrania, the champion.” Alexandra Kukunda, Director of Plus Two High School Uganda
“With its metaphors, the story is both simple and complex at once, allowing the reader to narrate a simple story with deep meaning. The three themes of gendered body image stereotypes, creative conflict resolution and whole grain nutrition are weaved together wonderfully. Such good children’s books are so important for our future!” Brigitt Altwegg, Peace & Conflict Specialist, Switzerland
Queen Rain, King Wind – The Practice of Heart Gardening
(Rainbow Elves/ Peace Education Series Book 1)
Illustrated children’s book, ages 3 to 10. Includes guidance for family practice of appreciation rituals.
The story was tested and reviewed extensively from perspectives of Waldorf education, beekeeping, Buddhist practice, nonviolent communication, family therapy & peace education.
“Full of lessons for all of us, young and old. The book comes complete with a game to help us all through a journey of appreciation. A very useful and well-presented book.” 5-star review, Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Reader’s Favorite. Read full review here.
“Full of gems of information and insight. It attractively engages children to learn about the mysteries of love, and the vital law of unity that makes life, joy, and goodness possible. A must read for children and their parents and all those who love the mysteries of life.” Dr. H.B. Danesh, Founder and President, International Education for Peace Institute, www.efpinternational.org
“What a beautiful story of friends collaborating through challenges, in support and love for all beings. It points to simple ways we can recover from reactivity and come together to hear each other’s hearts. I love the Heart Gardening. For many years I have seen this type of ritual be transformative in creating more happiness and connection for all. What a gift for our children and everyone!” Jori Manske, Nonviolent Communication for the Next Generation (NVCnextgen), CNVC Certified Trainer, www.radicalcompassion.com
“Queen Rain, King Wind” helps lay a foundation of peace for other peace efforts.The story of a family impasse is outstanding and something almost everyone can relate to. So many families have arguments that turn love to shadows and then shadows to petrified souls, with no one really remembering what caused the calamity in the first place. The use of “appreciation” in the story and the teaching guides are of great importance. The story gives power to the crystals without promoting doctrine, develops problem solving methods without dogma and touches the heart with a gentle shower of compassion.” Jerry Piasecki, Humanitarian Author & Founder of the original UN Global Peace School Programme
“A beautiful story. I love how you connect this to information about conflict, appreciation, and crystals.” Diane Ross, Professor of Education, Otterbein University, Ohio; Executive Director, Forum for Youth Advocacy (FOYA) Uganda
“I love this story, which will allow me to share my personal life-changing experience of practising gratitude with my daugther in a playful way. Hopefully, this story will help many adults and children to be more happy in their life by expressing their appreciation of their loved ones in a concrete way and by starting to appreciate small things with people they struggle with.” Brigitt Altwegg, Peace & Conflict Specialist, Switzerland
Heart Bridge: The Ho’oponopono Magic (Rainbow Elves/ Peace Education Series Book 3)
Illustrated story book for children ages 4-10. Includes notes on practicing ho’oponopono at family level.
“This story responds to the question all of us have in time of conflicts: ‘What can I do to contribute to a solution to the problem?’. Ho’oponopono is a beautiful ‘brotherhood + sisterhood’ way to harmonize things within us thus outside of us. Well done!”. Gilbert Renaud PhD, Consultant in Recall Healing/Total Biology and Biological Deprogramming, Canada
“The essence of healing human conflict packed in a beautiful, simple story envelope” Sarah Howard, Author, Creativity Guide
Home to Gaia: A Journey to Peaceful Sleep (Rainbow Elves/ Peace Education Series Book 2)
Illustrated children’s book ages 3 to 9. Includes dream journal and dream work practice.
“Beautiful story, preparing young (even older) people to explore their night with delight! Well done!”;
“A beautiful step toward a New Paradigm of ‘Brotherhood & Sisterhood’ throughout the world.” Gilbert Renaud PhD, Consultant in Recall Healing/Total Biology and Biological Deprogramming, Canada
“Presented with fun and imaginative illustrations a child will be completely engaged in the Gaia’s special world from the beginning to the end. A book designed with intention to make bedtime and sleep time into a beautiful journey of discovery and exploration rooted in deep values of love, compassion and peace – both within ourselves and the world around us. (…) This children’s book will hearten, educate and inspire you. Ultimately it will add value to the mosaic of peace journeys of our precious world. I recommend this for children, parents, teachers and all those who need a little bit of encouragement to imagine and dream about the world in a more creative and peaceful way.” Brajna Greenhalgh, Researcher & Associate,Transnational Foundation for Peace TFF, https://transnational.live
“Ina clearly has great compassion for children and nature. Imagine a world where everyone shared that passion!” Deborah Salazar Shapiro, MSW, Therapist, mindfulness teacher, author of The Magical Mindful Day
“A delightful child’s tale that doubles as a profound meditation. On the surface, Ina Curic’s Home to Gaia is a whimsical tale about a group of elves descending into the depths of the Earth to be embraced by the all-loving Mother Gaia. But there is something else going on here as well. The text is also an ingenious guided meditation that teaches young readers about relaxation and inner peace. This is a beautiful introduction that can yield life-long benefits. I highly recommend this wondrous story. It’s so beautiful and peaceful. From one author to another, I bow to your talent.” Burt Kempner, Writer-Producer, Children’s Book Author