Every Leaf a Hallelujah

October 25, 2021
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.

January 12, 2022
Okri (The Famished Road, 1991) and illustrator Diana Ejaita have woven together an enchanting environmental story that will resonate with children and adults alike. Every Leaf a Hallelujah is the magical and colorful tale of a little girl called Mangoshi, who is searching for a unique flower that can heal her ailing mother and her village. In her quest, she meets wise trees that teach her how nature and humans are all interconnected and how they need to live in harmony for their mutual survival. Okri's powerful work is complemented by Ejaita's joyful and bright illustrations, each a rich and vibrant rendition of majestic forests. Okri places a spotlight on deforestation in a fairy-tale-like world, inviting readers to appreciate their natural environments and consider how actions, no matter how small, can affect the necessary change in a planet facing man-made hazards. Magoshi's educational and wondrous journey will leave a lasting impression on readers, particularly when it comes to Earth's oxygen-producing residents.

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