This collection investigates how traditional folktales and proverbs from diverse global cultures articulate the human responsibility toward ecological stewardship and the natural world. Margaret Read MacDonald, a noted folklorist and storyteller, compiles these narratives to demonstrate that environmental ethics are deeply embedded in the oral traditions of various societies. By presenting stories from over twenty distinct ethnic groups, the author provides a cross-cultural framework for discussing the relationship between human communities and their surrounding habitats.

The work is regarded as a practical resource for educators and storytellers seeking to integrate environmental ethics into their curricula through the medium of oral tradition. Its accessible structure and broad cultural reach make it a standard reference for those exploring the intersection of mythology and ecological awareness.