We Will Live in This Forest Again

When a thriving forest is swallowed by wildfire the animals brace themselves, then look to new beginnings.

At first, they didn't notice the spark flying above the dry treetops. But then the smoke blew from the north, and the flames began to grow...

Author/illustrator Gianna Marino uses lush water-colors to explore the bitter-sweet cycle of burning and rebirth in the forest. Readers follow a lone deer as it sees its only home scorched by flame. A Northern California resident herself, Gianna witnessed the 2017 Sonoma wildfire firsthand when it came within inches of destroying her property. Her personal experience is palpably reflected through her portrayal of dignified animal silhouettes and stark, ashen landscapes in the wake of the fire. The book closes with an essay describing her encounter with the wildfire.

A great book for fans of Don't Let Them Disappear, also illustrated by Gianna and written by Chelsea Clinton. Parents and children with a soft spot for the fragile ecology of the forest will connect immediately with this book, and gain appreciation for what it takes to protect the natural world.

Gianna Marino has written and illustrated numerous articles for travel and leisure magazines. Her children’s books include Zoopa: An Animal Alphabet, One Too Many, Meet Me at the Moon, Too Tall Houses, Following Papa’s Song, and If I Had a Horse. She also created the illustrations for Chelsea Clinton’s Don’t Let Them Disappear. Though she still wanders the world, Gianna now lives in Northern California and works full-time writing and illustrating.