One hot day at the edge of the desert, Maryam and Issa know something exciting is going to happen. Mum and Dad bring spades, Uncle Cedric brings lots of plants and seedlings, the neighbours bring water. Everyone works together, digging, planting and watering – and the children all help too. Then they wait… and hope…

Set in Mali, this powerful story is about the creation of The Great Green Wall of Africa, an exciting real-life project to bring trees, growth and regeneration across sub-Saharan Africa.

"Set in Mali, this powerful story is about the creation of The Great Green Wall of Africa, an exciting real-life project to bring trees, growth and re-generation across Sub-Saharan Africa."

"The art is as bright and simple as the ideas expressed, and for readers inspired to make a difference in their own worlds, the author closes with directions for planting a tree. A bright promise, founded on hope and local support."

"Ken Wilson-Max has an incredible talent for addressing big concepts in a bright, accessible package... the climate action depicted is practical, sustainable, lasting, and hopeful... This is a joyful and empowering book about making a difference and caring for our world and our future, together."

"A compelling call for greenification."

"There's music and humour and energy in this bright and optimistic book. It celebrates the power of community to effect change and enable regeneration, carrying hope for a better future." Juno Magazine

Ken Wilson-Max was born in Zimbabwe and has a deep commitment to African regeneration. As author and illustrator he has over 70 books to his credit. He is a Patron of CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) and of the Jericho Prize. He illustrated Valerie Bloom's Stars With Flaming Tails, winner of the 2021 CLiPPA Award, and has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Award and the Carnegie/Kate Greenaway Medal. For Otter-Barry Books he has written Astro Girl, Eco Girl and Aqua Boy. He lives in North London.