Cory and the Seventh Story
by Brian D. McLaren and Gareth Higgins
The stories we tell ourselves are important. This beautifully illustrated children’s book, from the acclaimed author of Faith After Doubt and the beloved storyteller behind How Not to Be Afraid, shows us all how to find a new way forward in a world that can be scary for kids and adults alike.
Cory the raccoon and Cory’s best friend, Owl, love their happy, peaceful village and want to keep it that way. But things begin to change for the worse when some of their neighbors, including Badger, Fox, and Weasel, become fierce and angry critters who fight and bully others in the village, driving away those they deem “dirty and bad.”
It breaks Cory and Owl’s hearts to see their village filled with anger, fear, and fighting—but what can they do? A wise visitor named Switfhorse arrives and helps Cory and Owl understand six old stories that explain what is happening:
The story of power to dominate,
the story of striking back with fury and hate,
the story of running to find a safe place,
or pointing at others to shame and disgrace,
or being stuck in self-pity for the pain we’ve been through,
or of me having more Shiny Objects than you.
Finally, Cory and Owl find a way to reunite all of the villagers through a new story—the seventh story—where the story is peace, and the hero is love! Children and parents alike will delight in this hope-filled tale that teaches us how we can all extend peace, love, and laughter to everyone we meet.
Reader Reviews
“A kids’ book that everyone should be required to read! Since buying and reading this, I have bought multiple copies for friends and have read this aloud in a few meetings where I felt this conversation would help to bring some enlightenment and insight. Simple and profound and so needed in today’s age and culture!”—Goodreads Reviewer
“A beautiful book with a great story useful for kids growing up in this aggressive world.”—Goodreads Reviewer
“A gentle story about the stories we live. How we respond to change and conflict.”—Goodreads Reviewer
“What a beautiful story that our world needs to hear and embrace . . . this is a wonderful children’s book that reminds us of what is really important. In this age of politicians trying their best to divide the country, this story reminds us that love is the only thing that ultimately matters. I just finished reading this to my grandson, and he heartedly approved. I look forward to sharing it with my granddaughter very soon. I highly recommend this book.”—Goodreads Reviewer
“A simple exposition of six of the worst stories we all keep living by, and hope for a seventh story we all could aspire to, it’s beautiful.”—Goodreads Reviewer
Look Inside the Book
Peacemaking Tools for Families
Download The Seventh Story Roll and Tell game printable inspired by Cory and the Seventh Story!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Download available to US residents, 18 and older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Meet the Authors
Brian D. McLaren
Brian D. McLaren is a Christian thinker, author, and activist. A former pastor with a background in literature, Brian is the author of over a dozen books, an Auburn Senior Fellow, and board chair of Convergence.
Gareth Higgins
Gareth Higgins, PhD, grew up near Belfast, Northern Ireland, living through many years of violent civil conflict before becoming involved in peacebuilding and violence reduction as a young adult. For over twenty years he has written and spoken about the power of storytelling to shape our lives, making a more peaceful and compassionate world. He co-taught the world’s first graduate course in reconciliation studies at Trinity College Dublin, and helped found The Porch Community, along with the Wild Goose, New Story, and Movies & Meaning festivals. Gareth leads transformative story retreats in the U.S. and Ireland.
If you are interested in a bulk purchase discount of Cory and the Seventh Story for your organization, school, or event, please reach out to specialmarketscms@penguinrandomhouse.com.
