Aani and the Tree Huggers

Summary of Book

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

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.

Author Biography

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.

Illustrator Biography

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.