The book starts with a note mentioning that it is printed on recycled paper (I hope the ink they use is nature-friendly too). The author’s note explains the reason behind the book and that there are only a handful of stories in this one. 

The limited collection makes it a great introductory book for kids. There is no information overload. The events are presented as little stories. I have to admit that I’m surprised by how well the prose poetry form worked in this one. 

The book shares real-life stories about The Children’s Forest Project, saving humpback whales, hatching baby turtles, saving red kites, tigers, eco-farming, etc. The last page has tips for readers to get started with their new journey. I like to think that the publishers use reader feedback because the font size is actually good. I didn’t have to tinker much with the settings or zoom in to read the text. Thank you for this, Quarto! 

The content comes in full spread (double spread, or whatever you call it), where the illustrations flow and spread across from left to right. And as always, the illustrations are earthy, adorable, and wonderful. The touch of native rawness blends perfectly with the content. After all, many stories show how things got worse when the indigenous tribes were removed from the land and their traditions disrespected. 

I wish a few more events were mentioned at the end (not in detail) so that kids can look up more information and learn from other sources. I wouldn’t have minded a couple of references, either. 

To summarize, Happy Stories for Nature Lovers is a short and informative book, a starting point for kids and adults to become eco-conscious and do their bit to co-exist with nature. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

*****
 

P.S: This seems like the right time to mention that Cheetahs were reintroduced in India after they went extinct due to hunting and random killing. Let’s hope the Cheetahs make India their new home and grow in large numbers.