Why do physicians and hospitals the world over use, as a symbol of the doctor's healing power, a staff with a snake curled around it? Here, for the first time, is the origin of the growing medical belief that man can heal himself.

2004 STORYTELLING WORLD AWARD WINNER!

2002 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD WINNER!

Eric Kimmel has written over 35 children's tales, including Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins which won a Caldecott Honor Award. He also wrote Why The Snake Crawls On Its Belly. While the author has written many books based on tales of the Far East and Russia, the titles with which he has won awards have invariably been of Jewish interest and reflect his affinity for his roots.