The war had been going on for quite a long time - the drought, even longer. No one quite knew just how long, since people's memories seemed to be short concerning most matters of any consequence. In the little valley where this little story takes place, peace and plenty never seemed ta have ever been part of everyday life.

Misery was simply accepted as natural. Very much like the weather turning bad, or someone getting sick. When it happened, people simply hid inside their homes, or looked for something extra to eat. Indeed, eating and hiding were very popular pastimes, in the main village, where the events I am about to tell took place.

Actually, the events of this little story took place a few miles from the village. In a small little monastery - about the size of a thumb-nail. This is where the little monk lived. Please, understand dear reader, that in this entire Universe, there was only one monastery. The inhabitants of the village were not even sure what a monastery was. It occupied very little land. So everyone ignored it.

If, however, you lived in this little monastery, it was quite difficult to ignore its existence. Every morning the bell would ring to wake up the monks. Actually, it was a very early wake-up call. The stars would still be shining and singing to each other, when all the monks filed outside to the courtyard to take roll-call. Yes, indeed - it was such a spectacle. Six men - in red robes, and all had shaved their hair - except the last one. This was the Little Monk.

	That's how the Little Monk's journey to find significance, peace, and fulfilment in his life begins. Readers join the Little Monk on his quest, meeting a princess, a fisherman, and even a talking dolphin, all of whom teach the Little Monk something new about who he is and why he's here.
	The Little Monk was written and illustrated by Michael Arthur Finberg, who also authored the popular "Harvest of Gems" essays about his travels in the far east, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Little Monk is Michael's way of sharing some of what he has learned with young people. Both The Little Monk and Harvest of Gems will soon be published by Scars Publications and Design.

Follow the Litttle Monk on his journey of discovery. Click on an icon on the path to see an illustration from The Little Monk.

To find out more about The Little Monk, email Michael Arthur Finberg. You may also visit Michael's bazaar for information on available rights and publishing details.

All contents of this site © 2000 by Michael Arthur Finberg and Heidi A. Green.