Zonia's Rain Forest

Written and Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

Candlewick Press, 2021. Picture Book.

Zonia lives in the Peruvian rain forest with those she loves, where it is always green and full of life. She enjoys walking through the forest and visiting old and new friends who live there. During her daily walks she meets a lot of different creatures who live in the forest; sloths, birds, a jaguar, anteaters, a boa constrictor, river dolphins and turtles. One day during her walk Zonia discovers a part of the rain forest that has been cut down and destroyed. She runs home to tell her mother that the forest needs help. When she hears the forest calling her, Zonia vows to help the forest that she loves.

If you are a fan of Juana Martinez-Neal's artwork you will not be disappointed with this book. The soft illustrations welcome you into Zonia's world as you are introduced to the many animals and the beauty of the forest itself. This is a great book to use as an introduction to rain forests and why it's important to take care of our earth and its resources. At the end of the book are facts about the Amazon with links and information about major threats to the Amazon. This is a story that will both inspire and educate its readers.

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