“Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai” by Claire A. Nivola is a children’s book that will introduce children to a variety of different topics. The beautiful pictures of Kenya and simple story of the life of Wangari Maathai makes this children’s book enjoyable for kids as young as three or four up to eight or nine year olds.
The story in “Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai” starts with Wangari as a child in Kenya enjoying the natural beauty of her home land. She goes to America for college but when returning home to Kenya finds the land changed. The country has been destroyed by commercial farming. Broken hearted she does not accept defeat and Wangari sets about teaching people of her native country about planting trees.
In one part of the book Wangari gives seedlings to school children and soldiers at the same time - "You hold your guns... but what are you protecting?" she demands. "You should hold the gun in your right hand and a tree seedling in your left."
Do to the efforts and determination of Wangari Maathai over thirty million trees have been planted in Kenya and small farms are productive again. Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her environmental and human rights achievements and is the founder of the Green Belt Movement.
“Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai” is a great book to show children how one person can make a huge difference in the world, encourages children to take an interest in the environment, and sparks and interest in other parts of the world.
You can find “Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai” at the following Capital Area District Libraries in Lansing: Holt, Lansing (downtown), Okemos, and South Lansing and at Schuler Books and Barnes & Noble.
You may also want to look for this DVD starring Wangari Maathai herself, "Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai" (2008).
Or, visit the official site of the Green Belt Movement and its founder, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.
Schuler Books & Music
Eastwood Towne Center
2820 Towne Center Blvd.
Lansing, Michigan 48912
Barnes & Noble
Lansing Mall
5132 W. Saginaw Hwy 245
Lansing, Michigan 48917
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Comments
Nice review, on another fun children's book. One person can make a difference, as well as one little "thing" in all parts of the world.
This sounds like a really great story that would be a great lesson for many children! Great work Faith!
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