Every Leaf a Hallelujah

Booker Prize winner Okri (The Famished Road) delivers a charming, heartfelt environmentalist fairy tale about a young girl’s quest to save her dying mother—and planet Earth. When Mangoshi is sent to pluck a flower said to possess healing properties from an old tree, she discovers many paths through the woods and overhears the trees whispering among themselves, but returns home empty-handed. A year later, both her mother and their village at large have grown sicker, and Mangoshi is sent out to try again. This second attempt leads her on a magical adventure guided by an elderly baobab tree, who teaches her about the plight of trees around the world and gives her the courage to stand up against those who plan to level the forest. The result is a heartwarming, encouraging look at how a child’s act of courage can impact the world, as well as the power of protest to combat climate change. Coupled with vibrant illustrations by Ejaita, this gem will resonate with both adult fantasy readers and their children. (Feb.)