In the Heart of the Village: The World of the Indian Banyan Tree (Tree Tales)
Grade 1-5-In a small village in India, the sacred banyan tree is the center and heart of life, and it is protected and worshipped by the people. During the day, traders trade, school classes are held, people rest from the midday heat, children swing from the vines, and conversations take place beneath it. Birds nest, owls sleep, and monkeys chase one another in the branches. In the evenings, the tree provides a sheltering theater where costumed dancers and storytellers perform. Deep in the night, the flying foxes come out. This day in the life of a banyan is presented in lilting text that effectively captures the activities of a community and shows how its people revolve around this majestic tree. The rich, full-page watercolor illustrations make the book a natural for reading aloud and the hand-lettered text adds to the simplicity and earthiness of the tale. A wonderful offering that will be appreciated by anyone interested in nature and the interconnectedness of life.Helen Rosenberg, Chicago Public Library, ILCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.