Les Semis de Sita

Eight-year-old twins Sita and Amenan are watering their family's kitchen garden in the village of Bouaké when they notice the plants drying up - it hasn't rained in a long time, though last year's rains flooded their neighbors' homes. Their cousin Yao and his friend Koffi join in, and the children's questions prompt their father, Mr. Kouame, a primary-school science teacher, to explain climate change: rising global temperatures causing drastic swings in weather. When Sita suggests planting trees as a solution, the four children start a tree nursery, raising pine, eucalyptus, and oil palm seedlings.Their efforts get a boost when an organization called Green Côte d'Ivoire visits the community centre to teach the village about tree planting, handing out paper bags for transplanting and practical tips (punch air holes; uproot seedlings in the cool of morning or evening). The children plant their seedlings, teach other kids in Bouaké how to do the same, and the practice spreads to neighboring villages. The rains return, the trees grow tall, and Green Côte d'Ivoire holds a ceremony awarding the four children certificates and a trophy.This book is bilingual in English and French.