Forest Fighter

About this book

A picture book that tells the important story of Chico Mendes, who led the fight to protect the Amazon rainforest and demand fair treatment for the people whose livelihoods depended on it

Chico Mendes lived in the depths of the Amazon rainforest where trees grew tall and strong and wildlife roamed freely. From the age of 8, Chico worked with his father collecting sap from trees that could be sold to make rubber. Rubber tappers were very poor and the rainforest was increasingly being destroyed by burning and logging, threatening their livelihoods. Chico knew he had to take a stand. He became a spokesperson for the community, fighting hard to preserve the Amazon rainforest, and speaking up for the rights of other rubber tappers. He won several international awards for his campaigns, but the loggers still wouldn’t stop. At the age of 44, Chico was murdered by one of the loggers.

Grippingly written by award-winning author, Anita Ganeri, and vibrantly illustrated by Margaux Carpentier, Forest Fighter tells the inspiring story of Chico Mendes, who was not afraid to speak up for others and worked tirelessly to protect the rainforest. It depicts the incredible wildlife and peoples who co-exist there and shows why it is so important that all rainforests are protected.

• AWARD WINNING AUTHOR: Anita Ganeri has written over 300 books, including the best-selling Horrible Geography series
• NOTED ILLUSTRATOR: Illustrated by Margaux Carpentier, a celebrated artist, printmaker, and children’s book illustrator named in Taschen’s The Illustrator: 100 Best from Around the World; she has over 12k followers on social media
• ACTIVISM FOR YOUNG READERS: Forest Fighter is the latest in Crocodile Books’ popular social and environmental justice series that includes Planting Peace by Gwendolyn Hooks
• EARTH DAY PROMOTION: Print & online ads targeted at school and library markets tied to World Planting Day/International Day of Forests (March 21) and Earth Day (April 22)
• TARGETED PUBLICITY OUTREACH: Dedicated campaign to children’s environmental, science, and social justice publications: NatGeo Kids, The Natural Parent, Cricket, Ranger Rick, The Week Junior, Zoobooks, Owl, and Chirp, among others
• PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN FOR SCHOOLS: Plant a Tree promotion aimed at classrooms, libraries, and independent bookstores
• FEATURED TITLE AT S&L CONFERENCES: Promotion at school and library conferences, including Winter Institute, ALA, TLA, and SLJ Picture Book Palooza