111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Marianne Ferrer. Kids Can Press, 2020. $19.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Sundar grows up, marries and becomes a father. He has two daughters and a son, and he and his wife raise them with equal love and joy. As his children grow, he teaches them the names of trees and birds. He shows them how their lives depend on the natural world. He guides them to embrace all forms of life."

Following the death of his mother and older daughter, Sundar determines that he will work toward replenishing the land in his village that has been destroyed by a nearby factory. He wants life to be better for all villagers. He wants to relieve hunger and to have all children go to school. So, he runs for election as village head, and wins! 

His heartbreak over loss of family leads him to turn to the earth, planting saplings to allay his grief. The trees will live in memory of his mother and his daughter. He quickly decides what he will do. Girls have long been ignored at birth; seen as a burden to the family because of the dowry to be given to a future husband. Sundar will change that. 

"Every GIRL born in the village will be welcomed with the planting of 111 trees."

At first, his plan is rejected. Sundar is persistent, and spends much time explaining the its merits. Slowly, the villagers come to an understanding for the viability of such an idea. With Sundar's guidance and the help of engineers, a plan is put in place - a very successful plan. 

"Soon, the men see that women no longer have to walk for hours to fetch water. The women see that their children are no longer hungry. The trees are making life better for everyone. The villagers begin to place their trust in Sundar. and every time a girl is born, the villagers plant 111 trees." 

What an inspiring true story this is! Follow-up pages provide relevant and important facts about Sundar and his village, and the great success experienced there.