Centrala: Forest Beekeeper and the Treasure of Pushcha

This was another book from Centrala that I still look at occasionally. I think I am going to have to see whether Centrala is still publishing (or ask someone to find out as this about does my internet for the day!)

 

Forest Beekeeper and the Treasure of Pushcha

Author: Tomasz Samojlik

Size: 166 x 238 mm
Hardcover
116 pages
Colour
ISBN: 978-0-9929082-0-1

Recommended Age: 6+

£13.99

http://centrala.org.uk/shop/forest-beekeeper-and-the-treasure-of-pushcha/

Ignat will not rest until the slightest chance remains to save the forest and preserve the thousand-year-old tradition. It is his pushcha.

In the depths of pushcha, an ancient woodland, Ignat the beekeeper tends bees in beehives up in the trees, just as his father, grandfather, and their forefathers did. People say that Ignat gets everything he needs from the forest, that he knows every backwood and passage in the pushcha, that he talks with animals and trees… Even though Ignat lives in a world outside time, does not know and wishes not to know what year it is, the course of history does not slow down. The peaceful life according to old lore is abruptly interrupted.


Pushcha falls into the hands of new owners who see the forest only as a source of income from selling thousands of pine and oak trees.


However, Ignat will not rest until the slightest chance remains to save the forest and preserve the thousand-year-old tradition.

It is his pushcha.

The production on all of the Centrala books is fabulous and I mention that for one reason. Back when I was a kid, living in Germany, I used to read picture books but the paper quality and production were not as top notch as they are today.  This book reminds me of those books (better quality though).

It's fun, dark and then fun again but leaves you wondering...and, 137 years after the story we find some kids with a guide going through the same forest.  And, do you know, he "...could have sworn I saw a bee-keeper!"

Look at these lovely pages and then go check out Centrala's web site and BUY the book. If not for you then for your kids (if you have any).  Donate a copy to your local primary school.  Books like this leave children with memories that do last AND it encourages reading and maybe even more creative things.

Lovely.