What a timely, important and gorgeous book!

Captain Green is a superhero for the planet and here, in his second adventure (written by one of our very own Armadillo reviewers), he answers the alarm calls of forest animals who are losing their homes and food sources.

Each animal’s plight – the hornbill, the pygmy elephant and the orangutan – is different, but they all stem from the same cause: man’s relentless destruction of their homes. Whether for wood products or farmland to graze cattle for meat production, the pictures and text underline the fact that every minute, trees are falling, forests are becoming dustbowls and animals are losing the ecosystems they need to survive.

‘It seems easier to ruin a forest, than to grow one!’ says Captain Green, capturing the stark truth at the heart of this book.

However, Captain Green is brave, big-hearted and utterly determined to help these creatures. Unfortunately, despite his brilliant Tree Machine that fires out new trees to replant the lost ones as fast as he can, he cannot do it alone. Needing others’ help, he shows the children in the book and the children who read it how they can do their bit.

Bookless’ affecting prose is brilliantly complemented by Deeptown’s bright, bold illustrations. I particularly loved the gorgeous orangutan! The pictures are thought provoking and create lots of discussion points for the children and adults who choose to share this book.

From the beautiful end papers, which tell a story themselves, through the clever story and the practical information at the end, this book has the ability to turn children into mini-superheroes for the planet. Endorsed by the Rainforest Trust, WeForest, One Tree Planted and Stand For Trees, this book brims with love, wisdom and humour. It is a book that deserves to be in every classroom, library and home.