What if all the world’s trees disappeared?
The fear of being burned or cut to pieces convinces the trees in Goran’s world to pull up their roots and depart, taking the shade, the birds, and the animals and leaving behind a “thick, grey smog.” Remembering all the ways he’s enjoyed the tree in his garden, Goran worries that it will leave too. He convinces it to stay and sleep through the winter while he and his friends replant the forest and pick up trash. In spring, the tree wakes to a better world. Quintana Silva, who described a refugee experience in Kalak’s Journey (illustrated by Marie-Noëlle Hébert and also translated by Brokenbrow, 2018), here introduces children to another distressing issue: deforestation. The obvious lesson in this parable is hammered home by its last line: “No trees were harmed in making this story.” The Spanish publisher has used a special “stone paper” made with calcium carbonate and high-density polyethylene. This paper feels lovely in the hand, and the pastel illustrations, done in vivid, if synthetic, colors, show off beautifully. But librarians should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this paper, which is advertised as durable, waterproof, and photo degradable—that is, the art may fade in time. While it lasts, though, it will make a conversation-provoking read-aloud. Goran presents white. The Spanish edition is also available.
Best when shared with early elementary schoolers by an adult with time and tact for the discussion that will surely follow.(Picture book. 5-9)
Namna gani ikiwa miti yote ya ulimwengu ingepotea? Hofu ya kuharibiwa au kuharibiwa kwa vipande vya mti huwashawishi miti katika ulimwengu wa Goran kuvuta mizizi yao na kuondoka, kuchukua kivuli, ndege, na wanyama na kuacha nyuma ya "smog nene, kijivu". Anawasadikisha wabaki na kulala wakati wa majira ya baridi kali huku yeye na marafiki zake wakipanda tena msitu na kukusanya taka. Katika majira ya kuchipua, mti huamka na kuona ulimwengu bora zaidi. Quintana Silva, ambaye alielezea uzoefu wa wakimbizi katika Safari ya Kalak (iliyoonyeshwa na Marie-Noelle Hébert na pia ilitafsiriwa na Brokenbrow, 2018), hapa anawajulisha watoto suala lingine la kusumbua: ukataji miti. "Somo la wazi katika mfano huu linaonyeshwa wazi na mstari wake wa mwisho: ""Hakuna miti iliyoharibiwa katika kutengeneza hadithi hii.""" Karatasi hii inahisi nzuri mkononi, na michoro ya rangi ya pasteli, iliyofanywa kwa rangi zenye kuvutia, ingawa ni za bandia, huonekana vizuri sana. Lakini wasimamizi wa maktaba wanapaswa kupima faida na hasara za karatasi hii, ambayo hutangazwa kuwa ya kudumu, isiyo na maji, na inayoweza kuharibiwa na picha - ambayo ni, sanaa inaweza kufifia kwa wakati. Hata hivyo, inapoendelea, itasababisha mazungumzo ya kusoma kwa sauti. Goran anatoa nyeupe. Toleo la Kihispania linapatikana pia. Ni bora wakati ulishirikiwa na wanafunzi wa shule ya msingi na mtu mzima na wakati na busara kwa majadiliano ambayo bila shaka itafuata. (Kitabu cha picha. 5-9)