The Man Who Planted Trees [Paperback]

Jean Giono (Author), Michael McCurdy (Illustrator), Norma Goodrich (Afterword), Andy Lipkis (Afterword), Wangari Maathai (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2007

Jean Giono's extraordinary fable brings to life a shepherd who plants one hundred acorns a day for thirty years. The shepherd's tireless efforts transform the countryside, revitalize his community, and teach us about hope, humanity, and our own ability to create change in the world.
This special twentieth anniversary edition of The Man Who Planted Trees includes an inspiring foreword by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, whose Green Belt Movement has planted millions of trees and brought new hope to women and families in Kenya. The new afterword by TreePeople founder Andy Lipkis tells his own true story of planting trees in the unlikely ecosystems of Los Angeles, and provides practical resources for taking action in our communities. This edition is printed on 100 percent recycled paper.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jean Giono (1895-1970), the only son of a cobbler and a laundress, was one of France's greatest writers. He was a pacifist, and he was imprisoned in France for his beliefs during the Second World War. He wrote over thirty novels, scores of short stories, plays, poetry, essays, and filmscripts. Giono won the Prix de Monaco (for the most outstanding collected work by a French writer) among other awards.

Michael McCurdy is one of America's finest wood engravers. He has illustrated nearly 200 books for trade publications and special fine-press editions.

Wangari Maathai was awarded the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in restoring the environment and promoting economic well-being by planting of millions of trees in East Africa through her Green Belt Movement.

Norma L. Goodrich is Professor Emeritus of French and Comparative Literature at the Claremont Colleges and author of Giono: Master of Fictional Modes.

Andy Lipkis is the founder and president of TreePeople.

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing (October 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933392819
• ISBN-13: 978-1933392813
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking, gentle story March 16, 2010

By PenMangler VINE™ VOICE

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have had a copy of this book for over ten years, I loaned it to everyone I could. The last time I loaned it, it didn't come back. So, I bought the edition shown here. This has woodblock art in with it, beautiful work. I read the book every now and then because it is uplifting. The way Mr. Giono wrote it is so vivid, it's like you are there. It's actually a short story and takes about 20 - 30 minutes to read. But it has a high re-readability factor. Get this and share with your children, a friend who is down in the dumps, or buy one for the school library.

A re-assuring, peaceful, wonderful story with a simple, unforgettable message.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty and Inspiration - Tenacity of Benevolence August 21, 2011

By Zahra Jamshed

This is an inspirational off the shelf quick read. Elzeard Bouffier is "the man" who planted trees in a solo endeavor through his tenacious spirit. His relentless effort and focus gave him the courage, incentive and passion to pursue how he wanted the environment around him to look like. This booklet is a short, simple and touching journey into the life of a good human being who made a difference in the lives of many through his thoughtful contribution. A passage from the book:

" When I reflect that one man, armed only with his physical and moral resources, was able to cause this land of Canaan to spring from the wasteland, I am convinced that in spite of everything, humanity is admirable. But when I compute the unfailing greatness of spirit and the tenacity of benevolence that it must have taken to achieve this result, I am taken with an immense respect for that old and unlearned peasant who was able to complete a work worthy of God." (Jean Giono)

Note: The booklet has a few lovely wood engravings sprinkled throughout the story. The Afterword is another beauty about the life of Jean Giono and his life story through WWI and WWII.

Recommended for environmentalists and doers who believe in creating a beautiful world and the power of individual contribution.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My second favorite story of all time October 30, 2012

By ktm1

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is such an inspiring story. My favorite story of all time is the story of the prodigal son. This is my second favorite story. Its message applies to all endeavors in life where you are patiently planting the seeds of any type of growth. Patience and persistence can work a miracle! I have given it as a gift at Cub Scout graduations and college graduations. It is a deceptively simple tale with lovely woodcut illustrations. I have to have it in my life. That's the highest recommendation of all.