The Forest Keeper– The true story of Jadav Payeng

by Rina Singh

This book is based on a true story and a real man. It is a beautiful story about love for one’s environment and the difference that one person can make. It deserves a place in school and home libraries.

The story is well told by an author who cares about her subject. The illustrations are truly five star. I adored them.

Many thanks to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

The Horn Book

“An inspiring true story of an environmental activist whose important work began in his teens and spanned a lifetime.”

Booklist

“Showing what one person with limited resources can do to restore the environment, the story celebrates Payeng’s vision and determination.”

Publishers Weekly

“Singh inspires with this biography of Jadav Payeng”

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is a child friendly biography of Jadav Payeng, an ordinary man who worked unnoticed for decades to realize an extraordinary vision for his community. It tells the true story of how as a young man, Jadav Molai Payeng saw the devastation that the monsoon wreaked through the Brahmaputra River in Assam, North East India. He decided to do something about it, and his story is a story of perseverance in the face of all odds. When others were defeated by the problem, his small steps, constant care, innovation and hard, determined work led to the growth of a forest in the most unlikely places. It is also the story of environmental activism and how each person can play their part, however small they think they are. Payeng harnessed the power of the monsoons to grow the forest in dispersing the seeds, rather than destroying habitats and the animals and people that rely on them. The illustrations are evocative, detailed, informative and bright with color. They work with the story to reflect great respect for Payeng’s work and give huge scope for discussion and learning. This book is a beautiful and inspirational story to share with children of any age. It will aid in discussions of environmentalism as well as problem solving and perseverance.” ― Children’s Literature Reviews

“An inspiring true story of an environmental activist whose important work began in his teens and spanned a lifetime.” ― The Horn Book