Blog Tour: The Map of Leaves
I am delighted to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous book and share my review. ‘A Map of Leaves’ is a must read so I hope you will borrow or buy a copy and enjoy it as much as I did!
Living alone since her Ma died, Orla tends her beloved garden, listening as the plants whisper to her. When sickness comes to the village of Thorn Creek where she lives, Warden Atlas claims that the wild is the cause and must be destroyed. Armed with her Ma’s book, ‘Plants and their Medicinal Uses’, Orla is determined to find a cure and prove the warden wrong and hides on a boat heading upriver to find the truth. Used to being alone, she finds herself unwillingly teaming up with Idris and Ariana, who are also keen to find a cure for this mysterious illness, on a dangerous adventure from which they might never return.
‘The Map of Leaves’ is a wonderful adventure, set in an atmospheric world. Nature is key to the story and the healing power of plants and the importance of wild spaces are celebrated on every page. Each chapter begins with a plant, its Latin name and a brief description of its properties, encouraging the reader to learn more about the plants around us and reminding us of just how much nature gives us. These early remedies and cures are completely fascinating, sure to spark interest and encourage conversations about the development of medicines we have today.
The story also makes us reflect on the impact humans can have on the environment- how nature needs its wild spaces to thrive and for us to thrive in return. It also considers how those with power and wealth can abuse this in pursuit of personal gain and how those who set the rules do not always follow them- sound familiar?! Warden Atlas is ruthless, showing scant regard for anyone or anything, making him easy to despise.
Orla has a deep connection with nature and a deep distrust of those around her. The loss of her mother from the mysterious sickness is so raw that she has closed in on herself, shunning support or comfort from others. As the story develops, she gradually grows to care for and trust Idris and Ariana, although initially she is quite prickly and difficult to be with. Fiercely determined to find a cure for the sickness-Mapafoglia (‘the map of leaves’ named for the lines like an inky map which appear on the skin of those infected)- and to restore her beloved plants to health, she makes mistakes along the way, but learns from them and becomes a stronger person- and one that is far more likeable at the end.
The book would be excellent for guided reading, offering much to think about and discuss as well as a gripping story which children will love. As well as following a quest, the story also shows how Orla changes as a result of her experiences, finding her place in the world, surrounded by the plants that she loves. The book could also be used very successfully as a class text, offering many opportunities to pause and reflect, write in many different ways, research and enjoy a cracking story; however, for me, the attention rich setting of guided reading would work best!
‘The Map of Leaves’ is definitely one not to be missed!
The Map of Leaves Yarrow Townsend, illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696481
Many thanks to Laura for inviting me to join this blog tour! Make sure you enjoy some of the other stops in the tour as well!