"The ForestGirls: At the Edge of Land and Sea is a work of children's fiction in the natural world, educational, and adventure subgenres. It is intended for accompanied and newly independent readers and was penned by author Sissel Waage with illustrations provided by artist Ana-Maria Cosma. This beautifully illustrated picture book takes young readers on a captivating journey to coastal regions around the world. As the story unfolds, readers are immersed in the wonders of marshlands, mangroves, seagrasses, and kelp forests. Through the eyes of these coastal girls, we witness their exploration of the natural world and their efforts to protect it. The book is an inspiring reminder of the importance of preserving our aquatic environments.
Author Sissel Waage has crafted a captivating narrative and concept as young readers are introduced to the girls who live by the sea and have a deep love for the ocean and its intricate ecosystems. I was also highly impressed by the way the action is brought to life through Ana-Maria Cosma's stunning artwork, which made me genuinely excited and inspired to get back out into nature and see what’s waiting to be discovered. The poetic narrative and rich, vivid illustrations make this book an engaging read that I could see becoming a firm favorite at home, as a holiday read while kids are actually out in the natural world, but also in classrooms as a springboard for further eco-related topics. It not only educates young readers about the beauty and significance of our oceans but also instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment and that we need to move toward a better, greener future. Overall, The ForestGirls, at the Edge of Land and Sea is a delightful and enlightening book that encourages environmental awareness and empathy for the planet, and I would not hesitate to recommend it."
- Reader's Favorite Reviewer K.C. Finn
"The ForestGirls: At the Edge of Land and Sea is a children's picture book by Sissel Waage with some beautiful artwork by Ana-Maria Cosma. Two girls bond over their mutual love of places at the edge of land and sea. Both girls love the mangroves and their different varieties from all over the world, like the jekanazo mangrove trees of Bangladesh or the red mangroves from Brazil. They have an affinity for the sturdy grasses of tidal marshlands too, such as the cordgrass in Cape Lod, USA, the janakas in Egypt, or the saltgrass of Mexico. The girls also have a special place in their hearts for the underwater kelp forests from the seas around Japan, South Africa, and Chile. Now, it is their chance to help these natural wonders flourish and make the world a more vibrant place to live in.
Award-winning author and environmental scientist Sissel Waage teams up with award-winning artist Ana-Maria Cosma to craft a fascinating tale of two little girls and their adventures in attempting to save the coastal ecosystems. The ForestGirls: At the Edge of Land and Sea is a highly relevant book for our times, with a powerful message aimed at those readers who will be most affected by the impact of climate change and environmental collapse as they grow older. It is nevertheless a fun adventure story that teaches readers about the abundant beauty and irreplaceable nature of our coastal ecosystems, which help us to live and enjoy life on this planet. I found this book engaging, informative, and inspirational, and I highly recommend it to children and parents alike."
- Reader's Favoreite Reviews Pikasho Deka
"What could girls from Bangladesh, Brazil, Gabon, and Malaysia possibly have in common? Add to that list girls from the US, Argentina, Egypt, Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Denmark, Venezuela and other countries. Sissel Waage believes that the unifying factor is that those who live near the sea have fellowship because of their love of the coast. In The ForestGirls: At the Edge of Land and Sea, Sissel shares how, although different, these areas have much in common and that commonality unites girls from around the world. Instead of dwelling on each nationality’s differences, Sissel highlights what each girl has in common. These girls bond because of their love for mangrove forests, tidal salt marshes, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows. This book will show how the world can unite by recognizing the qualities we have in common instead of separating because of slight differences.
Sissel Waage has a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. She uses her vast knowledge to share the wonderful world of coastal life and a love for aquatic life. The ForestGirls, at the Edge of Land and Sea is richly illustrated by Ana-Maria Cosma. Parents can use this book to introduce their children to life around the globe and how, though different, we are all the same. Learning to major in what we have in common can lead this world to a peaceful co-existence. Your children will also learn about different ecosystems and how each plays a part in helping this world continue to support life. I highly recommend this book for its delightful, poetic presentation of such a wide range of subjects. Spend time with your child exploring the world and international friendships."
- Reader's Favorite Reviewer Philip Van Heusen
