A review by afro8921
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli

5.0

Mama Miti is a gorgeous picture book that tells the story of Wangari Maathai the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari developed a love of trees at an early age. As a woman she was respected for her knack for growing things. Village women would come to her for advice and help. Wangari’s advice always lead to the planting of more trees. Kadir Nelson is the illustrator for this book. The illustrations are a wonderful mixed media collage of printed fabric and oil paintings. The color choices are so vibrant that they draw the eye sometimes away from the text. One possible extension activity would be planting a Dixie cup garden. Students could pick a plant and research what is needed for the plant to survive. Another possible extension activity would be having students research conservations in regards to the timber industry.