Volume VI · Tales of the Desert Fathers
Abba John the Dwarf and the Dry Stick
From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Abba John was a young, obedient disciple. His elder planted a dry stick in the ground. 'Water it every day until it bears fruit,' he told him. The water was very far away, but John fetched it day after day.
The story continues in volume VI, “Tales of the Desert Fathers”: told in full, illustrated, with everything that follows it.
What you'll find in the book about this story
- A short version for little ones (ages 4–7), to read at bedtime in a few minutes.
- The full story for older children, from age 8, with every part of it.
- Questions for family discussion so the story travels from the ears to the heart.
- A short prayer that a child can say on their own.
- A good deed to try together during the week ahead.