The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry

The author and artist Lynne Cherry journeyed deep into the rain forests of Brazil to write and illustrate her gorgeous picture book The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest (1990). One day, a man exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree. While he sleeps, the forest's residents, including a child from the Yanomamo tribe, whisper in his ear about the importance of trees and how all living things depend on one another . . . and it works. Cherry's lovingly rendered colored pencil and watercolor drawings of all the wondrous and rare animals evoke the lush rain forests, as well as stunning world maps bordered by tree porcupines, emerald tree boas, and dozens more fascinating creatures.

Awards: IRA Teacher's Choice (1991), ABA's Pick of the Lists, Reading Rainbow Review Book, NSTA-CBC Outstanding Trade Book for Children

Lynne Cherry has written and/or illustrated over thirty award-winning children's books. The Big Kapok Tree and A River Ran Wild, two of her best-selling books, urge children to protect the environment. Lynne speaks widely--and passionately--about how children can make a difference in a democratic society, and how they can change the world if they care deeply about something. She shows educators how incorporating nature into the curriculum makes a child's learning more relatable. Lynne's writings are motivated by her passion for the outdoors, and she enjoys canoeing and hiking.