Little Naturalists: Wangari Maathai Planted Trees

Introduce your brilliant baby to environmentalist, women’s rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.

Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) was a Kenyan environmentalist and women’s rights activist who often clashed with the government over her efforts to plant trees, conserve forest land, and bring democracy to the country. Wangari raised funds to pay poor women a small amount to plant and care for each tree. When a new government came into power, Wangari served in Parliament and as assistant minister of environment and natural resources. Her Green Belt Movement spread to many countries in Africa and beyond. In 2004 Wangari won a Nobel Peace Prize, the first one given to an environmentalist and an African woman.

Kate Coombs has written several books for children, including the award winning poetry collection Water Sings Blue and most recently Goodnight Mr. Darcy. A former teacher of every grade from kindergarten through college, Kate makes her home in Utah.

Seth Lucas is an illustrator and designer with a BFA in graphic design. He is the co-creator of Ello There Outdoors selling prints and accessories supporting the National Parks and outdoors. He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with his wife and daughter.