A fictionalized picture story, told from the point of view of young Aani, recounts the origins of the Chipko Andolan (Hug the Tree) Movement in northern India in the 1970s. When men from the city came into rural areas to cut down the trees, women villagers successfully stopped them by embracing individual trees. Indian artist Venantius J. Pinto explains in a note at the end how and why his pictures for this book were influenced by five different styles of traditional miniature painting that were used in northern India in the 17th century. (Ages 4-9)

Based on a true tale from Northern India, this delightful tale presents an enduring message of environmental action. One day Aani is resting against her favourite tree when she hears that men from the city are coming to cut down the trees. The women from her village explain the value of the trees to the cutters but these men are heedless. As the cutters move closer, Aani acts with quiet heroism to save not only her tree but also the village's beloved forest. Full colour illustartions by Venantius Pinto. Ages 4 - 10.