by Donna Jo Napoli
illustrated by Kadir Nelson
 
(trans. The Mother of Trees). Subtitled, 'Wangari Maathai and the Tress of Kenya', this is not the first story we have sold about this revolutionary environmentalist- but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. Brought up with the wisdom of trees, as an adult, Wangari Maathai went on to dispense her knowledge by encouraging the planting of different trees which would in turn bring a wealth of materials and nourishment for local Kenyan communities, creating a new self-sufficiency and, ultimately, the reforestation of great swathes of Kenya's landscapes, tree by tree by tree. A lyrical retelling of the greatness of Wangari Maathai: the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace prize, the first female head at a Kenyan university department and the originator of the Green Belt Movement. Illustrated by a much celebrated artist- a backnote has Kadir Nelson describing his use of oil paints and printed fabrics to emulate an Eastern African aesthetic. 'Excellent. Skilful writing and attractive illustrations present an important story. Simply told, but with enough detail to enable it to provide a good foundation on the topic. Very good afterword, glossary etc.' (Elena, Community Librarian, Letterbox reviewer). Age 7-10, Hardback 32pp
 
Themes: Gender Equality   Themes: Black History