Zonia's Rain Forest ~ Storytime Approved

Zonia's Rain Forest
By Juana Martinez-Neal

Zonia calls the rainforest neighbor. She has a bond with it, the animals, the trees, the life that thrives within it. 

But one day she comes upon something. Something has happened and the trees are gone. Ugly stumps are all that remains. Zonia can feel the rainforest's pain, the destruction of life. 

It needs her help and she is willing to answer its need, its call to her. 

Zonia's Rain Forest is an early lesson in conservation for young readers/listeners. The last pages give readers some background information about Zonia's people the Ashaninka and the Amazon. We also learn about threats to the Amazon and who Zonia's animal friends are.

The illustrations though colorful have a muted quality to them which suits the story and its flow. This is a four-paw story in both Doreen and Duncan's opinion so it gets a top rating of 8-paws from this literary puppy duo. Entertaining and educational is an unbeatable combination.

Thanks to our local library for providing another great read.

Duncan checking out the cover of Zonia's Rain Forest



About the Book:
A heartfelt, visually stunning picture book from the Caldecott Honor and Sibert Medal Winner illuminates a young girl's day of play and adventure in the lush rain forest of Peru.

Zonia's home is the Amazon rain forest, where it is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rain forest calls to Zonia, and every morning she answers. She visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rain forest calls to her in a troubled voice. How will Zonia answer?

Acclaimed author-illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal explores the wonders of the rain forest with Zonia, an Asháninka girl, in her joyful outdoor adventures. The engaging text emphasizes Zonia’s empowering bond with her home, while the illustrations—created on paper made from banana bark—burst with luxuriant greens and delicate details. Illuminating back matter includes a translation of the story in Asháninka, information on the Asháninka community, as well as resources on the Amazon rain forest and its wildlife.

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