Wagari was a Kenyan trailblazer for women’s rights and the environment.  Growing up in rural Kenya, she was one of the few women in her country to read, let alone graduate from high school.  Wagari continued her education in the United States before returning to a newly independent Kenya.  Upon her return, she was devastated to see the scarcity of trees and animals.  She strongly believed her mother’s teaching that a tree is worth more than its wood.  Her efforts in environmental advocacy and towards peaceful democracy were internationally recognized in 2004 when she was the first African woman to be award the Nobel Peace Prize.

The text is reminiscent of African oral storytelling traditions.  This beautifully illustrated book concludes with photographs and a timeline with highlights of Wagari Muta’s life and Kenyan milestones.