Leaf and the Sky of Fire

In a far north forest, desperate stick creatures called Twigs are trapped in a cave and surrounded by gruesome bark beetles! When a daring, young Twig attempts a foolhardy rescue, none imagine they risk even greater peril in the dying forest. Now they are pursued not only by barkbiters but also by fire!Amusing, adventurous Twig Stories are environmental fantasies with family values about stick creatures who live in knotholes of ancient trees. Their fragile world of old growth forests and magnificent glaciers is threatened by the consequences of climate change. In this timely series, even the smallest creatures learn to stick together to survive! A percentage of all royalties are donated to groups which advocate for wildlife protection, nature conservancy, and investigating solutions to climate change challenges. Twig stories are delightfully illustrated by D.W. Murray, an award-winning Disney and Universal Pictures artist whose screen credits include Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and Curious George. He is an award recipient of New York Society of Illustrators Gallery and the 2004 Gold Aurora Award.Delightful reviews!#xE2;#xAC;SThis book is a wonderful read. The story and artwork are impeccably crafted and weave a fascinating tale that will help introduce children to the magic and majesty of the natural world. Importantly, it imparts a strong appreciation of the intricacies and interactions that occur in nature. As a child, it was just such books that helped instill within me a desire to understand nature, and ultimately, to work in conservation. This book teaches in the best way possible #xE2;#xAC;#x1C; by igniting curiosity and building connections with the one thing that truly supports us all- our home, Earth.#xE2;#xAC; Dr. Diana L. Six, Professor, Ecosystem & Conservation SciencesIntegrated Forest Entomology/PathologyUniversity of Montana#xE2;#xAC;SThe environmental messages contained in this highly entertaining series of stories are certainly important and are told in a way that will engage children everywhere. The educational value of these books cannot be underestimated especially at a time when we desperately need to create a culture that is committed to protecting our natural wonders.#xE2;#xAC;Dr. David Edwards, Manager of EducationThe British Columbia Wildlife Park"As someone who has worked to both protect an endangered species and engage young people in the environmental issues that will shape their future, I've learned that education through entertainment is a powerful force for positive change. Today's youth can be leaders tomorrow AND today if only they are given the tools to become aware, inspired, and engaged. The Twig book series powerfully accomplishes each of these needs, all the while reaching young people on their level with fun, family-friendly entertainment. I have no doubt that, thanks to this book series, countless children will develop a passion for our natural world and all living things that require it to survive. And for each young person who becomes inspired to care for our shared environment, not only will we foster a more caring society in the future, we will create a new cohort of leaders who will be agents of change today."D. Simon Jackson, Founder and ChairmanSpirit Bear Youth CoalitionExecutive Producer, The Spirit Bear CGI Moviewww.spiritbearyouth.org#xE2;#xAC;SThis epic story tells a colorful tale of stick creatures that live in trees and protect forests against harmful organisms and issues associated with climate change. As a bark beetle biologist, I can relate to the difficulties in reducing tree mortality caused by bark beetles and invasive insects. Young readers interested in the natural world and preserving our forests will enjoy this engaging story.#xE2;#xAC; Dr. Richard W. Hofstetter, ProfessorForest EntomologyNorthern Arizona University