Posted on by Sindhu Vinod Narayan

Review of the boy who grew a forest

BLURB:

As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India’s Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees. What began as a small thicket of bamboo, grew over the years into 1,300 acre forest filled with native plants and animals. The Boy Who Grew a Forest tells the inspiring true story of Payeng–and reminds us all of the difference a single person with a big idea can make.

MY REVIEW:

The author, Sophia tells you an inspiring story of Jadav “Molai” Payeng. Jadav is a teenager from the Majuli Island- which is one of the world’s largest river island located in Brahmaputra. So what sort of story is this about Jadav that made him an inspiration to many people? Do you believe that even kids get inspired reading this book.

Prone to seasonal flooding and erosion, the Majuli Island witnessed the death of thousands of snakes in flooded water on barren sandbars. Heartbroken and depressed, Jadav approached the elders in the village for a way to bring back the greenery and wildlife back on the island.

He is given twenty bamboo saplings which he planted. He took really good care of them by watering them regularly and also devised a watering system. But did that stop the river from flooding? No. SO he had bring in earthworms, termites to make the soil richer. He even brought back seeds from neighboring places to cultivate varied vegetation.

He came across many hurdles- men wanting to harvest for homes, elephant from farms to feed on crops, hunters approaching for fur. But how did Jadav manage. Yes, he had a solution for every problem that came up. He grew some for harvesting, fruit trees to feed elephants and protected wildlife from hunter.

What initially started as 10 acre became 20…then 30…40 and is now a 1300 acre forest named after him as Molai. If you can compare the reality, it is larger than 900 football grounds. He is known as the forest man, who single handedly created the forest. In fact it’s rightly said if I mention he created an ecosystem to support the animals and also continue growing and maintaining the forest.

If this effort by a teenager could make a better place for living why not us. If a single man could create a 1300 acre forest, why not us. A small difference that we make is going to bring in a bigger change and provide the future generation with a greener place with rich wildlife. Why don’t we make this change come true?

The illustrations were very supportive to the narration. You can really see the story come alive when you read the book. The story is environmentally themed and sure is to inspire your kid to look up to someone who also saves the world in a different way.

Sophia and Kayla have unitedly worked for the mission of creating a book for young readers to read, inspire, empower, protect and care. Certain things could be learnt by seeing, hearing or feeling. This idea of bringing in inspiration through a book to young readers is commendable.

The end note of the author telling us to plant a seed and we never know what it would become is what which makes all the difference. I’m sure that each kid/parent who reads the book would want to do their part to save the greenery and the mission of the author is accomplished.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Kindle Edition
  • File Size:47044 KB
  • Print Length:32 pages
  • Publisher:Sleeping Bear Press (15 April 2019)
  • Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
  • Language:English
  • ASIN:B07F3B4RVZ

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4.5/5

Plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sophia Gholz is a children’s book author, music lover, magic seeker, and avid reader.

As a child, Sophia was a passionate reader and artist. When not reading or drawing, she could be found at the farm riding horses or out causing mischief with her brothers.

As a grown up, Sophia is still an avid reader, art fanatic, and mischief-maker. When she’s not writing, you can find Sophia on Twitter, in her cave (aka office) or running around after the kids, dogs or any combination of the two.

Sophia grew up in Florida, went to art school in California, and met her husband in Manhattan. She’s now enjoying life by the beach with her family.

30 Replies to “Review of the boy who grew a forest”

  1. It was such a lovely read.And the pics and illustrations is just Wow.We must all do our bit in planting trees and protecting our environment.Green revolution is truly important.

    (Snehalata Jain)

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  4. I love the story and the way you reviewed it. I think nowadays preserving nature should be on the priority list too. We should Plant more trees and be a helping hand to protect the environment.

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  8. This seems like a great read for kids. Saving our forests & environment is one of the most important lessons we should impart to our kids. I’m sure reading about how Molai bring life to his dying island will inspire kids to show some love & respect to our mother nature. Great review 👍

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  9. Sounds like a good book for school kids to learn about fauna life and ecosystems. I personally also like reading such genre of books. Will check it out! 🙂

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  12. Seems to be a motivating. Adding to cart right away. Great book to teach kinds and adults, likewise, about preserving nature.

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  15. This is so inspiring story. Such a wonderful read my toddler would love it. It goes to show even a drop can make an ocean.

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