Olympia Terral is the author of MOTHER TREE, a book that teaches children of all ages and adults the importance of taking care of our environment through moving characters and illustrations. Illustration paintings by Dawn Lees Reyes. Acknowledgement to Maria Fitzpatrick for her role in the creation of this story.
Olympia Terral began writing this book over her concern for the disregard many people seem to have for the natural world. Watching the development that has occurred on the island of Guam over the last 30 years, it saddens her that future generations may not know what it feels like to spend time on a beach with native trees offering shade, not large umbrellas and beach bars. She thought if she could tell a story from the point of view of the trees and animals it may help some people to consider the impact rampant development has on the animals and plants that share this planet with us. It is her hope that this book will inspire people to take action to nurture nature, which ultimately nurtures us all.
Olympia Terral has made her home on Guam for over 30 years. She is also a beekeeper, a tree hugger, a research associates at the University of Guam and a believer that we have a sacred duty to live lightly on the Earth and respect all forms of life. As a yoga therapist and yoga teacher she understands the healing that occurs when people have access to nature and the rhythms of the natural world.
Mother Tree was published by Taiguini Books, University of Guam Press
Richard Flores Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center, 2020
You can purchase your copy of Mother Tree by going to www.amazon.com
or the University of Guam bookstore or all the bookstores on Guam
