A heartfelt tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who founded Kenya’s Green Belt Movement to combat deforestation, condenses years of activism into a lyrical narrative focusing on Wangari’s impact on both the lives of women and the Kenyan environment. Author Donna Jo Napoli imagines a series of scenes in which women from across Kenya come to Wangari to share their troubles—too little food, too little firewood, dirty water. “Plant a tree,” Wangari tells each one. She suggests a different tree for each trouble—the mukawa thorns will keep predators from chickens; the mukuyu will filter water to clean streams. And she always concludes each encounter with “ thaya nyumba— Peace my people.” Kadir Nelson’s lush illustrations, done with oil paint and printed fabrics, show a greening country and the grace and beauty of those who are bringing it back to life. An afterword and author’s note provide brief, factual information about Maathai as well as sources for this account of her work. (Ages 6–10)

Mama Miti opens with two abbreviated traditional tales that establish the origins of Kenya’s Nobel Peace Prize winner’s life’s work: “Wangari listened to stories the elders told. She learned to love and respect trees and became wise in the tradition of her people.” Napoli’s text differs from previous picture-book biographies of Wangari Maathai because it is situated wholly in Kenya, after Maathai is a mature adult, and focuses entirely on two concepts: plant a tree and “ Thayu nyumba —Peace, my people.” Kadir Nelson’s oil por traits are luminescent. He diversifies his work by creating collage illustrations in an attempt “to capture the spirit and culture of Kenya.” Extensive back matter enriches the reading experience. lmp

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.