The Tree of Life: An Amazonian Folk Tale

by Charlotte Guillain, Steve Dorado (Illustrator)

This book tells the story of the Tree of Life, a traditional Amazonian folk tale. In it, the people of an Amazonian village learn the importance of taking care of nature and the dangers of being too greedy.

Genres: Childrens

24 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

About the author

Charlotte Guillain has written over 100 books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her most well-known titles are the 'George's Amazing Adventures' picture book series, including 'Spaghetti with the Yeti' and 'Pizza for Pirates'. 'Spaghetti with the Yeti' was shortlisted for nine awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Before writing children's books, Charlotte worked as a bookseller, a teacher of English as a Foreign Language, and an editor.

Reviews

[Maria Rahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual very beautiful illustrations. 😍
It's a Story about taking care of plants. Probably my least favourite from this series.

[Turrean · Rating 2 out of 5]

A serviceable retelling of an Amazon myth. The tale wanders a bit, and (admittedly, in a way characteristic of some myths) causation and lesson are not obvious. Why, exactly, does a flood begin when the tree is cut down? Why do the new trees each bear one type of fruit, when the parent tree had them all?

End notes mention this is a traditional tale from the Amazon, but supplies no source.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale was pretty good, and like the others in the series has good illustrations and large, easy to read text. The lesson is not immediately apparent, in that when the flood leaves there are now many more fruit trees, rather than there being the punishment of losing the only tree, or there now being only one fruit, ect.