Reviews
Reviews
Finding Tree, chronicles the journey of Nachi, who is devastated when her magical friend, Tree, disappears one day. She joins Parrot to look for Emmeraja, the God of Death -a long journey through stones, thorns, forests, hills, rivers and ditches. Through imaginative visuals by animator and illustrator Rajiv Eipe, the author brings out the richness of mangrove forests, one of the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems. With roots above the ground, they shelter not just birds, squirrels, bats, lizards, snails, snakes and insects, but also a variety of shellfish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, sea horses, clams, scallops and oysters. Among other things, the book also talks about the endless cycle of birth and death. “Stories, child, like magic, last forever. They stay alive as long as the story-loving heart is alive,” says Paatikutti, Nachi's grandmother, adding that all living things must die someday.
The book ends with information about these mangroves or “walking trees”, such as the fact that they can survive extreme heat and filter out the sand found in seawater as it enters their roots. About 80 percent of the world's fish catch is dependent on mangroves, the book states. Acting as natural buffers against rising tides and storm surges, they can absorb 10 times more carbon dioxide and give off three times more oxygen than other trees. Finally, the authors also emphasise the urgent need to save them, since one percent of the world's mangroves are wiped out annually by unsustainable agriculture and other threats.
In a world where nature itself is increasingly rare, especially in big metropolitan cities filled with gadgets and concrete, books like these are an important reminder for young readers to appreciate the knowledge of indigenous tribes like the Irulas and to conserve the dense forests they call home.
I love how Finding Tree shows us to be determined and focused on our goals. I also love the fantasy elements of the book including the world in a pebble, devils, flying trees, flying horses, flying elephants, and flying dancers. They create a very
entertaining story and make very eye-catching illustrations.
This book is highly recommended for children of our times -for the joys and discoveries of the preciousness of nature and what it can teach us beyond the tactile. It would also satisfy the adult soul who may be searching for meaning in the midst
of grief. It urges us to reach towards the living seeds around us, that came before us, seek our care, and will continue to thrive long after we are gone.
This book narrates the tale of Nachi, a little girl who travels with her friend, the Parrot, beyond the far reaches of this world and our imagination to find her friend, Tree, and meets many magical, mystical, and mythical beings along the way. On
this journey, she meets Emmeraja, God of Death. She finds some answers and returns to her Pattikutti, her world, the sea, and a surprise. Written by Geeta Dharmarajan, this magical tale is about love and loss, and delves deep into the hearts of
the readers, while Rajiv Eipe's illustrations carry you off into the marvelous worlds to unravel some of life's greatest secrets!
Hindustan Times
