Living Bridges
The Hidden World of India's Woven Trees
Published on 5. June 2025
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-6659-5029-9 (ISBN)
Description
A boy learns how to care for and weave the roots of the living tree bridges in his village in India in this narrative nonfiction picture book perfect for fans of We Are Water Protectors and The Tree Lady.
In the mountains of Meghalaya, India, a living bridge stands tall, connecting the land and its people with the interwoven roots of tall, wide ficus trees. The bridge is called Jingkieng Jri, and it's alive. A little boy can't wait to learn to weave the roots together just like the generations before him.
But when he notices litter on the bridge and scars on the roots from people stealing sap, he knows Jinkieng Jri doesn't just need shaping, it needs love. By rallying his community and even visiting tourists, the boy protects the living bridge and shares his message of care.
In the mountains of Meghalaya, India, a living bridge stands tall, connecting the land and its people with the interwoven roots of tall, wide ficus trees. The bridge is called Jingkieng Jri, and it's alive. A little boy can't wait to learn to weave the roots together just like the generations before him.
But when he notices litter on the bridge and scars on the roots from people stealing sap, he knows Jinkieng Jri doesn't just need shaping, it needs love. By rallying his community and even visiting tourists, the boy protects the living bridge and shares his message of care.
Reviews / Votes
* "By presenting an important example of a caring and concerned community effort based on Indigenous traditions along with vibrant, detailed, and interesting illustrations, this book offers young readers insight into a positive way to sustain the environment, and is highly recommended." -- <I>School Library Journal</I>, STARRED REVIEW "A beautiful testament that harmony between humans and nature is possible, even in trying conditions." -- <I>Booklist</I> "A perceptive visit to a remote wonder that blends natural materials and human skills." -- <I>Kirkus Reviews</I>More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
f-c digital, coated stock (jkt spfx: spot gloss, emboss)
Dimensions
Height: 221 mm
Width: 284 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6659-5029-9 (9781665950299)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2025
Beach Lane Books
€10.87
Available for download
Persons
Sandhya Acharya grew up in India and now lives in California, with her husband and two sons. After working as a finance professional for many years, she traded spreadsheets for words. When not writing, she's training for the next marathon, climbing a mountain, learning a form of Indian classical dance, or volunteering. She can be reached at SandhyaAcharya.com.
Avani Dwivedi is an author and illustrator of picture books including her debut, My Bollywood Dream. A graduate of Maryland Institute College of Arts, Avani grew up in Navi Mumbai, India, and later moved to the states to pursue her passion of becoming an artist. Even when away from home, she held on to her most precious gems-memories of her sweet childhood, the lived experience of being a South-Asian woman, and her love for creating whimsical art. Currently, she lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Avani Dwivedi is an author and illustrator of picture books including her debut, My Bollywood Dream. A graduate of Maryland Institute College of Arts, Avani grew up in Navi Mumbai, India, and later moved to the states to pursue her passion of becoming an artist. Even when away from home, she held on to her most precious gems-memories of her sweet childhood, the lived experience of being a South-Asian woman, and her love for creating whimsical art. Currently, she lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.