Review Detail

The lush forests of India hide an old art - weaving living trees into sweeping, walkable bridges. In this warm and dreamy story, a young boy goes with his father to learn how to make and care for these old structures that have been important parts of forest communities for hundreds of years.

It's a subject that's both simple and grand. People have always needed bridges, and the craft of living bridges, or Jingkieng Jri, is a beautiful demonstration of ingenuity and harmony with nature that's passed down as a piece of valued heritage. In learning to weave bridges, the little boy is also connecting to local traditions, bonding with family, and understanding the importance of conservation - the visitors who sight-see are there for a day, while the locals and caretakers of the forest will see the effects of whatever they leave behind everyday.

Brought to life with vividly colored, full-page illustrations, Living Bridges tells a warm story and opens eyes to a hidden wonder that the world would be sad to miss.