In the Heart of the Village: The World of the Indian Banyan Tree

Tree Tales

by Barbara Bash

Lyrical prose and vivid watercolor paintings capture the world of the ancient banyan tree at the center of a small Indian village and the people and wildlife that flourish beneath and within its branches.

Genres: Picture Books, India, Cultural, Geography, Childrens, Nonfiction, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Barbara Bash grew up in Barrington, Illinois and has worked for many years as a calligrapher, illustrator and teacher of book arts and botanical drawing. She currently lives in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan]

This is the fourth, and for now at least the last book in the trees series that I’ve read by this author. I’ve also read a city bird roost book by her. I think I’ve given all 4 stars, for slightly different reasons, but they’re all fine books.

The Banyan tree is really something! Amazing tree! I love how its branches come down and form multiple trunks, and how it, a single tree, can become an entire forest.

What I liked most about this book was the natural world part.

Also interesting, and a large portion of the book, was how the people see and make use of this tree. But it was the tree that most fascinated me, not the mythology about it or utilitarian use of it. I guess I read this series for learning about the trees, the nature, not the social (human) aspects of their habitat.

The illustrations are lovely, particularly of the tree. I particularly appreciated the first illustration, which does the the whole village, surrounded by water and at its heart, the huge tree.

According to the book, this tree grows in many tropical areas, not just India, but also in many places, including in the U.S., specifically in Florida and Hawaii. I’d love to see a really mature one.

[Abigail]

The fourth and final entry in Barbara Bash's Tree Tales series - the other titles are: Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus , Tree of Life: The World of the African Baobab and Ancient Ones: The World of the Old-Growth Douglas Fir - this beautifully illustrated picture-book introduces young readers to the banyan tree, highlighting its central importance in an Indian village, as well as its role in providing food and shelter for a variety of animal species. Often mistaken for a small forest - single banyan trees can spread out over large areas, with roots growing down from their branches, until they reach the ground, and eventually become secondary trunks - the banyan provides a meeting place for nearby villagers, with the market and the school both being held beneath its branches. Its foliage, in the meantime, offers a nesting place to egrets, and its branches a playground for both human children and langur monkeys.

I enjoyed this picture-book examination of the world of the Indian banyan tree just as much as I did Bash's first three arboreal explorations, although I think the emphasis here was much more on human interaction, than in previous titles. Perhaps this makes sense, as the banyan tree is generally to be found much closer to human settlements, than the other trees profiled? In any case, I found the text informative, and the artwork very appealing, with its rich color palette, and accurate depiction of flora and fauna. Definitely another winner from Barbara Bash!

[Srujan]

My 2nd Pick from the Tree Tales series by Barbara Bash. I loved the previous book about the Baobab Tree and was encouraged to pick this one up too. This one didn't disappoint at all! ❤️ It feels like one of those well shot documentary features made by the Discovery & Nat Geo channels I grew up watching in late 90s & early 2000s as a kid! As an Indian I am pretty familiar with the Banyan Tree and yet, reading this book was such a joy! It is such a free flowing, breezy children's book that just tells the Banyan Tree's Tale. It is not trying to preachy or anything. And therefore, it is a complete joy to read all 40 pages or something in a 10-15 mins slot I might during the day! ☺️💕

[What April's Reading]

We loved this book. It's beautiful visually and very well written.
In telling of all the ways a village in India uses a Banyan Tree, the author draws you in with quick, full sentences and beautiful watercolor illustrations.

[B]

I loved reading this book to my kids. I gives a snap shot of life in an Indian Village by focusing on activities happening in and under a Banyan Tree.

[Autumn]

This book lives in the village of my heart

[Matthew]

Banyan trees are such amazing plants. This describes the multitudinous uses of the tree in one village so it's more about everyone else rather than the tree, but it's still good.

[Alexandra Russo]

I enjoyed "In the Heart of the Banyan Tree." Bordering on non-fiction, the book relates the role of the Banyan Tree in an Indian Community. Its uses are discussed from the various perspectives of those that use it; for example, humans, monkeys, and owls. The tree is forever in use. Although it may be quiet during times, specifically just before dawn, there is always someone or something utilizing the shade, comfort, and home that the Banyon tree provides. The rhythmic repetition of the book creates a lyrical, folkloric tone. This tone is mimicked in the seemingly (to an outsider) faraway and mystical community that surrounds the tree. "In the Heart of the Banyan Tree" is an excellent read aloud to provide students with an appreciation for, and knowledge of, diverse communities. The Banyon Tree is the communal center of life in this Indian community. Students may think about how this differs from their own community; is there a "center of life" that we could compare the Banyon Tree to? By exposing students to this text, and asking them these questions, teachers are engaging students in a much needed study of multiculturalism and diversity within communities.

[JustOneMoreBook.com]

Welcoming illustrations and stirring text exalt the gifts of an Indian banyan tree while tossing us on waves of darkness, golds, laughter, peace and chatter.

Listen to our chat about In The Heart of the Village on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:

http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/0...

[Cara Stone]

Remarkable use of color throughout. The author begins with an introduction as to the importance of the Banyan Tree and its history. The story continues, emphasizing the various roles the Banyan plays, from religious importance, a gathering place, playground, nature sanctuary, to a theater. Recommended.

[Katie Logonauts]

This lovely environmental tale begins with the legend of the first banyan and a history of the banyan tree. The story then follows the tree through its day with a focus on its relationship to the people and animals that live in and around the village. A great way to introduce students to the floral and fauna of this region of India.

[Kritika Attrish]

In this book 📖 they tell the routine of the villagers and how they utilise the banyan try till morning 🌅 to 🌃