Zonia’s home is the Amazon rain forest, where it is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rain forest calls to Zonia, and every morning, she answers. She visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rain forest calls to her in a troubled voice. How will Zonia answer?
Acclaimed author-illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal explores the wonders of the rain forest with Zonia, an Asháninka girl, in her joyful outdoor adventures. The engaging text emphasizes Zonia’s empowering bond with her home, while the illustrations — created on paper made from banana bark — burst with luxuriant greens and delicate details. With illuminating back matter including a translation of the story in Asháninka, information on the Asháninka community, and resources on the Amazon rain forest and its wildlife, this is a tribute to the beauties of the rain forest and the importance of caring for our planet.
"In her first solo project since her Caldecott Honor-winning Alma and How She Got Her Name (2018), Martinez-Neal presents a tale that is both celebratory and cautionary in nature.... The text is kept to two short sentences per double-page spread, reflecting Zonia’s uncomplicated and innocent view of the world, which is shaken when she stumbles upon a large section of clear-cut forest. This scene is Martinez-Neal’s call to action for her readers." — Booklist
Recommended Age | 4 - 8 |
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Author | Juana Martinez-Neal |
Illustrator | Juana Martinez-Neal |
ISBN | 1536208450 |
Publication Date | Mar 30, 2021 |
Publisher | Candlewick |
Language | English |