The Big Green: A Story About the Great Green Wall of Africa

On a “long, hot day/ at the edge of the desert,” two children and their community plant trees in an earnest picture book that highlights efforts to create an uninterrupted swath of greenery, per back matter planned to stretch across 11 African countries. Broad stroked, flatly applied primary and secondary colors rendered in pencil, gouache, and digital techniques establish the sandy surrounds in which the foregrounded figures undertake their efforts. Plainspoken second-person narration speeds through the process, from digging holes to watering the plants, ascribing feelings of purpose and pride to participants: “They all knew they were making a difference to their world.” Closing spreads zoom forward as emerald smudges visualize the “bright future” planted by the community and the “laughter... food... safety” it offers. The result makes for a compelling call for greenification. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)