Aani and the Tree Huggers

By Jeannine Atkins, Venantius Pinto

A village girl in India inspires the women around her to save their beloved forest.

Description

One day Aani is resting against her favorite tree when she hears the unfamiliar roar of trucks. She alerts the village women, the eldest of whom says the sounds are made by men from the city who have come to cut down the trees. The women explain to the cutters that their trees provide the villagers with food and fuel; are home to animals; and prevent erosion. But the men are heedless. As the cutters move closer, Aani acts with quiet, instinctive heroism to save not only her special tree, but also the village’s beloved forest.

Based on a true event in northern India, Aani and the Tree Huggers presents an enduring message of environmental action. In their picture book debuts, author Jeannine Atkins and artist Venantius J. Pinto introduce a memorable heroine whose love of the earth is sure to be an inspiration to children everywhere.

About the Creators

Jeannine Atkins

Jeannine Atkins is the author of Get Set! Swim!, which was named a "Choices" selection by the Cooperative Children's Book Center. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and their daughter. Visit her online at jeannineatkins.com.

Venantius Pinto

Venantius J. Pinto was born in Bombay, India. A fine artist, designer, and animator, Mr. Pinto lives with his wife in Sunnyside, NY. This is his first picture book.

Awards

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Reviews

  • "An exemplary first picture book for both author and illustrator, this collaboration will appeal to a wide audience of children."

    - School Library Journal
  • "A testament to heroism, based on events in northern India in the 1970s. When cutting crews came to slash the forest, women and girls faced down the developers and halted the destruction. More books of this caliber might help save the planet."

    - Smithsonian Magazine

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781584300045
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 10.6 × 7.6 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000243
  • Publication Date Jan 01, 2100
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Science & Nature / Environment
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / Asia
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Girls & Women
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Courage, Empathy / Compassion, Environment / Nature, Fiction, Heroism, Human Impact On Environment / Environmental Sustainability, Leadership, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Protest, Responsibility, Social Justice & Activism, STEM / STEAM
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading R
  • ATOS Book Level 3.3
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Level 580
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • SRC 4.2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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