Review - Yara's Tawari Tree

Yara's Tawari Tree (Yara's Rainforest #1)
by Yossi Lapid
illustrated by Joanna Pasek
Date: 2019
Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: author

Yara lives with her Mama in the Amazon jungle trying to rescue her beloved but increasingly troubled rainforest home.

When Yara falls gravely ill, the forest returns the love and saves Yara’s life.

Written in rhyme and featuring vibrant watercolor illustrations by Joanna Pasek, this is the introductory volume to a new picture-book series showing children how all living things on our beautiful planet depend on one another.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I read an earlier version of this book (titled Yara and her Mystery Tree) back in January. At the time, my feelings were mixed. I had some issues with the plot and writing. Recently, I was contacted by the author with an offer to read the updated version, now called Yara's Tawari Tree. I'm happy to report that the book is now a lot better; the story is tighter, the potential invasive species issue has been resolved, and the message about the value of the forest and its trees is a lot clearer.

As part of the forest is being cleared and burned, Yara comes across a tawari tree seedling in need of help. She carefully digs it up and transplants it to a safe place. Later, when she becomes sick, the tree returns the favour and helps to save her life with medicine from its bark.

The illustrations are as lush and lovely as ever, and the rhythm of the rhyming text seems to have improved. A book about a little girl in the Amazon rainforest is rare and wonderful as it is... but the improvements made by the author now make this a book that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Thank you to Yossi Lapid for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.57 out of 5