When wildfires consume their forest home, the animals must flee--but
as the flames subside, they return and look to new beginnings . . .
At first, they didn't notice the spark flying above the dry treetops.
But then the smoke blew from the north, and the flames began to grow. .
.
This story of recovery and resilience will comfort young readers
concerned about forest fires, reassuring them that in time new growth
will sprout and, like the wildlife in the story, we can rebuild.
Lush watercolor illustrations explore the bittersweet cycle of burning
and rebirth in the forest, following a lone deer as it sees its only
home scorched by flame--and later, returns to find new plants already
sprouting, the promise of a day when the air will be filled with
birdsong once again.
As a Northern California resident, Gianna Marino witnessed the 2017
Sonoma wildfire firsthand when it came within inches of destroying her
property. Her personal experience is palpably reflected through her
portrayal of dignified animal silhouettes and stark, ashen landscapes in
the wake of the flames. The book closes with an essay describing her
encounter with the wildfire. Accessible information on wildfires,
including a list of recommendations for further reading, is also
included.
Fans of Chelsea Clinton's Don't Let Them Disappear will recognize
Gianna's distinctive, beautiful art and appreciate the hopeful
ecological message of We Will Live in This Forest Again. Parents and
children with a soft spot for the fragile ecology of the forest will
connect immediately with this book, and gain appreciation for what it
takes to protect the natural world.
