Book Nook: Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli Review and GIVEAWAY

Book Nook
Mama Miti
By Donna Jo Napoli
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Hardcover, ages 4-8

As a homeschool mother, I LOVE finding new books for my children. It is not everyday that you find books that touch your family on many levels. Mama Miti does just that. The story is so inspiring, and sends a message that I am ever so thankful that my children had the opportunity to hear. Description by the publisher Simon and Schuster:

One woman. One seed.

One hope for the future.

Thayu nyumba -- Peace, my people.

Wangari grew up in the shadow of Mount Kenya listening to the stories about the people and land around her. Though the trees towered over her, she had loved them for as long as she could remember. So strong, so beautiful, how the trees made her smile.

Wangari planted trees one by one to refresh her spirit. When the women came to her for help with their families, she told them to do the same. Soon the countryside was filled with trees. Kenya was strong once more. Wangari had changed her country, tree by tree.

Donna Jo Napoli tells a story inspired by the life of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Wangari Maathai that will touch the hearts and spirits of all who read it. Kadir Nelson's stunning collage illustrations honor the spirit of a land and of the woman who saved it.

Let me say that the illustrations in this book are breathtaking! I love the use of fabrics, my children and I found ourselves wanting to touch each page. The quilt like effect was captivating! In a short message in the book, the illustrator Kadir Nelson states that he " choose to use these materials because African culture is rich with textiles and color". He really embraced African culture, and made sure that we readers also felt it.

The nature loving mama in me, was so excited to read a book to the kids about planting trees and saving our Earth. This is not just an Earth day book, it is an every day book! Loving our Earth should be something we do as people EVERY day. Any opportunity to teach my children compassion and cultural diversity is welcome in our home! I encourage you to read this book with your little ones and have an open discussion about the issues presented in this book. Our discussion ended with a prayer for humanity.

In Honor of the publication of this book, Simon and Schuster made a wonderful donation to the Green Belt Movement tom plant tress in Kenya.

BUY IT: You can pick up Mama Miti online at Simon and Schuster for $16.99.

WIN IT: Simon and Schuster has generously offered to give a few readers a copy of their own Mama Miti along with a poster for their classroom(home).

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Good luck everyone! U.S only- Giveaway will run until April 2nd. I will use random generator to pick a winner and will email the winner and announce it here on the blog. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be announced.

DISCLAIMER: I was not paid for this post. I was given a product to review, and I have provided my own honest opinion. Thank you, Simon and Schuster for allowing us to review your book and for the awesome giveaway. You can view our PR policies here.