the Maharajah and his army of soldiers, the people feel defeated. At that moment, like an ex deus prop, a huge sandstorm hits. Everyone take refuge in the forest. After the storm's fury is spent, the Maharajah relents and allows the villagers to keep their forest. There is a big celebration. The illustrations by Brigitta Saflund are breathtaking in the rich hues of Indian dress and vibrant greens of the trees set against the dry yellow of the desert. The luxurious palace of the Maharahah is painted in the detailed tiles of cool blues that decorate it. However, the last page, which is not part of the story, reveals more. In a story for children sometimes details are omitted. The Maharajah did not relent and allow the trees to stay. He had every one of them cut down. In hugging the trees to protect them, over 300 villagers, Amrita included, were killed. As Henry David Thoreau wrote in "Civil Disobedience," a person who commits civil disobedience must be willing to pay the consequences. The tree huggers of Rajasthani have been commemorated by India's first National Environment Memorial. There are still movements in India to protect trees and other natural resources. There's definitely a need, as only 40% of their frontier forests are still standing. 4.0 out of 5 stars just perfect 24 Oct 2011 By Rhonda Parcesepe - Published on Amazon.com Format: Hardcover | Amazon Verified Purchase Just as item was discribed! Came just in time though. Paid allot for