Save My Rainforest

Abstract

Save My Rainforest Maria Anna Jankowska Serials Catalog Librarian, University of Idaho Library, Moscow, Idaho 83844 USA. TEL: 208-885-6631. Zak, Monica. Save My Rainforest. Illustrations by Bengt-Arne Runnerstromm, English version by Nancy Schimmel. Volcano, CA: Volcano Press, 1992. 31 pp. US $14.95 hardcover ISBN: 0- 912078-94-4. Save My Rainforest presents a true story about eight- year-old Omar Castillo's efforts to protect the endangered Lacandona rainforest located in southern Mexico. The boy is afraid that the disappearance of numerous plants and animals, following the destruction of the forest, will deprive other children of the opportunity to see and experience this gigantic rainforest. First he writes to the President and when he does not receive any answer he decides to walk 870 miles to Tuxtla to ask the governor to save the rainforest for the children. When this action does not bring any results he tries to meet the President because he is the one responsible for the whole country (p. 24). His adventures in attempting to achieve this goal are thrilling. Save My Rainforest is a translation of Swedish title, Radda Min Djungel, by Bokforlaget Opal. The book was also published in Spanish language edition under the title Salven Mi Serlva. The book has very fast action supported by wonderful illustrations. In the text one can find a few Spanish words which enhance the original background and give the children an opportunity to learn some Spanish. By not providing information on the type of paper used for printing this book the publisher lost an opportunity to underscore the message contained in the book. Save My Rainforest can serve as an excellent source of school discussions on protecting the rainforest in Latin America. Highly recommended for all school libraries.