From time to time I will review children’s books on this blog. Today I am participating in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday.
Title: The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng
Author: Sophia Gholz
Illustrator: Kayla Harren
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 2019
Nonfiction, Ages 5-12
Themes: Perseverance; Making a difference; Trees
Opening: In India, on a large river island, among farms and families hard at work, there lived a boy who loved trees. Trees meant shade, food, and shelter for many.
Synopsis: This book tells the story of Jadav Payeng who, starting with a few bamboo saplings, grew a 1300-acre forest for native plants and animals.
Why I Like This Book: The strong sense of place in the opening lines pulls the reader in. We know immediately the struggles that the boy will face in his quest to keep his island safe for animals and people. The lyrical text and expressive illustrations complement each other well as they work to take the reader on a journey. The structure allows us to watch both the boy and his forest grow. Opening and closing quotes frame the story in a unique way.
Resources: The back matter offers more about Jadav Payeng, and an author’s note revealing her inspiration for writing the book. Sharing author’s notes with young readers can help them find their own stories to tell. In addition, there are instructions for starting plants from seeds. This book would be a wonderful classroom addition for a unit on plants or seeds.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I am on a waiting list for this book. Can’t wait to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m interested in reading this. I’d love to see how the setting and sense of place is accomplished! Sounds lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like such an interesting book. I too am waiting for a library copy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Sophia! Can’t wait to see this book!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always love a story about protecting nature. I can’t wait to read this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
waiting for a copy to read! I love that he grew a forest one tree at a time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays.
I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Taake care!!
LikeLike
Sem dúvida acreditar que que você disse. Seu favorito
razão parecia ser na líquido o mais fácil fator para
estar atento de. Eu digo a você, eu definitivamente obter irritado
ao mesmo tempo como outras pessoas pense preocupações que eles claramente
don ‘ t saber sobre. Você conseguiu para bater o prego em cima
o mais alto e delineado fora a coisa toda sem ter
efeito colateral , outras pessoas poderia tomar
um sinal. Será provavelmente ser volta para obter mais.
Obrigado
LikeLike
This information iis invaluable. Howw can I find out more?
LikeLike