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Written for younger chapter book
readers, this is a wonderful story about the power of children to
overcome some of the greater challenges adults struggle with. Naturally
accepting each other for who they are, the children have no need to
overcome diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds as they come together
over a common cause, to save the forest that makes their home so
special.
Facing an apparently insurmountable foe—the evil palm oil baron who
dreams of converting the entire country over to plantations—the
children band together and enlist the help of their communities, their
religious orders, and the greater global community in an attempt to
protect their precious forest and the people and animals that call it
home.
Ranging in age from six through roughly twelve, the children lead much
of the action following their reaction to a deliberately set forest
fire. Including information about the diverse and fascinating
characteristics of the animals that live in these forests as well as
the value of many of the plants and trees, it is an adventure into
important environmental concerns as well as the power of teamwork no
matter what age you might be.
Beginning with a forest fire and the rush to save as many animals as
possible through to the closing pages when the children finally learn
whether their efforts were in vain, the story is well-paced and
imaginative. While it doesn’t cross over any magical boundaries, there
is a sense of the mysteries of life revealed when one is more in tune
with nature. Overall, an enjoyable story with important lessons for us
all.
RECOMMENDED by The US Review