Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai (Frances Foster Books)

Review by Monserrat, Age 9There are no trees in Kenya! This book is called "Planting the Trees of Kenya." It is a nonfiction book about faith.In this story, there is a girl named Wangari who lives in a small village. She had a favorite tree out of all the others. When she grew older she needed to go to American for college so she could study. When she was done she was going to visit Kenya, but nothing looked the same. Her favorite tree was cut down! What will she do? Cry? Nothing? Read to see what she will do.The author wrote this book because she did not want anybody to cut down any more trees. I love when she said "You should hold a gun in your right hand and in your left a seedling." I like it because it shows that she's trying to help.I would recommend this book to people who love the outdoors. This book is amazing and it about faith. if you love the outdoors, come buy the book today! I hope you will!

In teaching my children to be good citizens of the earth I seek books to help me instill these values. This is a book I will treasure always, and I know my children will too. It is an amazing story of a woman who has an idea and the belief that she can change her small part of the world after many years have changed the village she once knew. Not only is this a great book from that perspective, but it encourages the principles of environmental stewardship. Plant a tree! We can change the world!

I got this for my daughter for Christmas so that she could learn about cultural figures from Kenya. When I read it I thought she might find it a bit boring as it's pitched to an older age group than 5 year olds but she has asked for it twice so far. She wants to know about the environmental issues raised and questions why did the people do that. Highly recommended for those wanting to learn more about Kenya's people.

I bought this book because there is a picture of my alma mater, Mount Saint Scholastica College for Women, Atchison, Kansas, in the book. It is important to me because the building no longer exists, nor does the college. It is always sad to lose part of ones personal history. Dr. Maathai was a student there a few years after my graduation. Her story, as told in the book, is quite well done and the pictures are delightful. She is certainly a credit to the Mount and her country. I hope that her story will remind young women today that it takes only a very simple idea to change the world of many.

LOVED this book. It brought tears to my eyes. I know the real story and this children's book captures the full essence in a perfect way for children and adults alike to learn from it.

This is one of the most wonderful picture books this year. It reminds us that we are all capable of recognizing problems and making significant positive changes by taking individual action, and it tells the story of an incredible, real life African role model. The artwork is detailed and captivating.I've given this book as a gift to three children so far this year and plan to keep gifting it!

Beautiful book that highlighted how quickly we can alter our landscape and the conditions under which it can occur.

This is a charming story about a fabulous woman. I was thrilled when I went to Kenya and was able to plant a tree.

This is a beautifully illustrated book which tells the true and inspiring tale of Wangari Maathi - an extraordinary kenyan women who started a grass roots environmental movement in her home country (against considerable odds) - and eventually received the Nobel prize for her courage. The book communicates this story in a way that children can understand and relate to. If you are interested in exposing children to true life role models, and you think that environmental awareness is important, then this is a lovely way to be able to to talk to them about these themes.

This is a wonderful story and it is beautifully illustrated. All the more enjoyable and inspirational as it is true.

Good book - great for our KS1 Africa topic

perfecto!

Exactly what I was looking for 😃