Review By KRISTIN WALD
This straightforward telling of Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prévot, is accompanied by colorful and beautiful illustrations by Aurélia Fronty that help set the tone of hope and action throughout the book. This storybook, based on the true story of a young Kenyan girl who became the leader of an environmental and social movement. Aimed at 6-9 year olds, this book will be interesting and educational for both children and parents.
I read this book aloud to my six year old, and we stopped several times to discuss details and the scenes depicted in the art. Told in the present tense, the events feel like they happened very recently. The story deals with important and difficult issues (British colonialism, gender inequality, environmental impact) in understandable and clear descriptions that allow children to ask age-appropriate questions.
The story of Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmental and human rights activist, is inspirational. This storybook version of her life demonstrates the importance of family, caring for the earth, and working hard for your values even when faced with opposition. The story highlights actions children can easily relate to, they will connect to Wangari’s desire to plant trees, provide a habitat for animals, help those in need, and stand up for justice.
The vivid colors and whimsical illustrations are a fantastic accompaniment to the story. With trees and leaves central to the picture themes, readers will enjoy finding hidden surprises in the details. The tone of the story is also supported by the different choices of colors and styles, and the revolution created by Wangari is shown in both realistic and fantastical images in the pages.
Following the story, which takes the reader through Wangari Maathai’s triumphant election to Parliament and Nobel Peace Prize award, there are photographs and information about Kenya and the legacy Wangari left behind. Highly recommended.
The publisher sent a copy of this book for review.
Sidney Clouston // Apr 5, 2015 at 4:15 pm
I agree that forests are important. I have often written about how mankind has removed 50% of the forests during the past two hundred years. Forests are called the “lungs of the Earth” (Gaia). This begs the question, how well could you function with half of your lungs removed?
American Forests is a mighty fine non-profit that plants trees around the world. I tried to develop a project in Nepal with Trees for Tigers. All five species of Tigers are endangered, They need many hectares to roam for food. This is related to the Biological Carrying Capacity of forests. I do suggest Orchards, which also benefit indigenous people with the fruit and nuts that can be eaten and taken to markets for income.
What We’ve Been Up To | Sandler & Wald Social Media // Apr 19, 2015 at 8:06 am
[…] recently published a book review with VegBooks, and she wrote sponsored posts about Better Way Love products and the Liberty Science Center. […]