Fighting for the Forest - Hardcover

Rand, Gloria

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805054669 ISBN 13: 9780805054668

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 1999

Synopsis

A boy and his father like to hike in the ancient forest near their home. But one day they discover blue marks on many of the trees--the marks of loggers. The boy decides they must do something to try to save the forest. A campaign is launched and the fight is on.

Gloria and Ted Rand were inspired to create this book after hearing real-life stories from their son, Martin, who is an active conservationist in Washington State. Together, this author and illustrator team has captured the quiet majesty of our nation's ancient forests. Bordering the art are portraits of native plants and animals; a short nature guide at the end of the book supplies young naturalists with tips on identifying trees and animal tracks.

About this title

About the Author:

Gloria and Ted Rand have collaborated on several picture books for Holt, including Prince William, a story about the aftermath of the oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska. In addition, Ted Rand has illustrated a number of books written by Bill Martin Jr., including Knots on a Counting Rope and Here Are My Hands. The Rands live on Mercer Island in Washington.

From Publishers Weekly:

The Rands (Salty Dog) tell of a boy's valiant efforts to save an ancient forest in this straightforward picture book. The boy and his father love to hike through a favorite old-growth forest. One day, the pair discovers blue paint spots on the towering trunks, and Dad explains that loggers are about to destroy their special retreat?the woodsy smell, the elk trails, the places where deer rested, the birds. But the son has a plan. He ties red ribbons around each trunk and rallies conservation volunteers who wave "Save this forest" signs as TV cameras roll. But the excitement is short-lived: "Two days later, Dad and I watched from a nearby ridge as old giants, still wearing their red ribbons, shook the earth as they hit the ground." The story ends on a hopeful note, however, as the duo discovers another, more remote forest (an author's note says their next attempt to save the trees was a success). The text convincingly captures a child's idealism and determination to save the refuge he loves, while the art effectively contrasts the awe-inspiring heights of the trees with the diminutive figures of father and son at their roots. Even children who've never experienced the majesty of the redwoods or other Pacific Northwest giants will respond to the closing spread of a forest stretching to the sky, encircling a lone bird. A "Trail Guide" endnote offers some tips on tracking, tree identification and berrying. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0805054669
• ISBN 13: 9780805054668
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Rand Ted