Near the Acacia Tree

Acacia trees are important to many species of insects, animals, birds and people. In Ethiopia, Acacia trees thrive in the dry, sunny environment. Their branches are home to many different Ethiopian creatures, some of whom leave holes in the trees that cause them to “whistle” in the wind. Acacia trees can even “talk” to each other by releasing gasses to warn of predators, and they can defend themselves with their thorns or by filling their leaves with poison. Acacia trees draw so many different kinds of creatures to their shade and nourishment that they are like gathering places for animals, birds and bugs. Side by side text in English and Ethiopian languages like Amharic, Tigrinya and Afaan Oromo help readers learn the names of counting numbers and creatures like camels and stinging ants. Charming illustrations by the elementary students of Stepping Stones Montessori fill the pages of this #readysetgo title.