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Children's Nonfiction Girls & Women

111 Trees

How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl

by (author) Rina Singh

illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

Publisher
Kids Can Press
Initial publish date
Oct 2020
Category
Girls & Women, Asia, Environmental Conservation & Protection
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781525301209
    Publish Date
    Oct 2020
    List Price
    $19.99

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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 5 to 8
  • Grade: k to 3
  • Reading age: 5 to 8

Description

In a small village in India, a boy grows up to make a huge difference in his community by planting trees to celebrate the birth of every girl. Based on a true story, this book celebrates environmental sustainability, community activism and ecofeminism.

This is the story of Sundar Paliwal, who is from a small Indian village ruled by ancient customs. As he grows to be a man, Sundar suffers much heartbreak and decides it is time for change to come to his village. Sundar is determined to live in a place where girls are valued as much as boys and where the land is not devastated by irresponsible mining. Sundar's plan? To celebrate the birth of every girl with the planting of 111 trees. Though many villagers resist at first, Sundar slowly gains their support. And today, there are over a quarter of a million trees in his village, providing food, water and opportunities for women to earn a living. His efforts have turned a once barren and deforested landscape into a fertile and prosperous one where girls can thrive.

Based on true events in the life of Sundar Paliwal, and written in collaboration with him, Rina Singh's uplifting story shows how one person can make a difference in a community. Beautiful illustrations by Marianne Ferrer sensitively bring the evolution of the village to life. With strong links to the science curriculum, this book offers lessons on environmental awareness, sustainability and stewardship, as well as the concept of ecofeminism. It also explores ideas of social development, community and culture, and the character education traits of responsibility and cooperation. A thoroughly researched author's note with photographs and more information about the village of Piplantri is included.

About the authors

Rina Singh has published several critically acclaimed books for children inspired by her Indian Canadian heritage, including Diwali Lights, Holi Colors and Diwali: A Festival of Lights, which was nominated for the Red Cedar Award. Rina’s own grandmother never got the chance to go to school. Grandmother School is dedicated to her memory. Rina lives in Toronto with her family.

Rina Singh's profile page

Originaire du Venezuela, Marianne Ferrer a immigré au Canada en 1998. Après avoir étudié l’illustration et le design au cégep Dawson à Montréal, elle a poursuivi ses études en design graphique à l’Université du Québec à Montréal, où elle habite toujours. Marianne a illustré de nombreux ouvrages, notamment Toucania (Monsieur Ed), Mel and Mo's Marvelous Balancing Act (Annick Press) et The Invisible Garden (Orca)Son style est empreint de charme, de délicatesse et de profondeur.

 

Marianne Ferrer's profile page

Awards

  • Unknown, Green Earth Book Award, The Nature Generation
  • Winner, Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, Booklist
  • Winner, Picture Book Non-Fiction Category, Northern Lights Book Awards

Editorial Reviews

This is an amazing book with a strong message ...

Owl Magazine

... an homage to trees, girls, and a planet that is sure to return the favor when we care for it.

Booklist, starred review

... an interesting and inspiring true story ...

CM Magazine

... vibrant ...—International Examiner

This engaging story serves as a compelling introduction to the concept of eco-feminism ...

School Library Journal

An inspiring picture book about eco-feminism in action ...

Kirkus Reviews

... inspiring ...

Globe and Mail

Girls are one with nature in ... this inspiring true story ...

New York Times

Accompanied by Ferrer's stylized illustrations in muted earth tones, Singh's approachable text conveys how one person's passion and commitment can have tremendous impact on their community.—The Horn Book

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