Over in the Mangroves

"Over in the Mangroves" is a vibrant tribute to the unique biodiversity of the Sundarbans National Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated along the border of India and Bangladesh. The lush mangrove ecosystem is at the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Teeming with life, it is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects. The Sundarbans’ intertidal forests are ecologically vital and serve as a critical buffer against climate threats in the region, which is home to 5 million people.

Author Jyoti Rajan Gopal reimagines the classic nursery rhyme “Over in the Meadow” to introduce young readers to the interconnected lives of the forest’s inhabitants. With rhythmic, lyrical verses, the book underscores the essential role that forests play in nurturing and sustaining life. Each stanza invites children to count along as they meet new animal families, emphasizing themes of cooperation, interdependence, and environmental stewardship.

Complete with a glossary and fun facts, "Over in the Mangroves" is both an educational tool and a celebration of nature. Illustrator Dikshaa Pwaskar’s vibrant, expressive artwork brings the forest to life with bold colors and engaging details. Her illustrations capture the warmth and vitality of the mangrove’s diverse creatures, creating a visual feast that complements the lyrical text.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published on Manhattan Book Review.

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Enlighten Me

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Los Angeles Book Review . Author Minh Lê Standing up for oneself seems like doing the right thing. Binh did just that in the face of a racist school bully who was poking fun at his Asian heritage. But physically assaulting another student goes against school policy, and it was Binh who got in trouble. Binh shares a silent retreat with his family and younger siblings. Along with other children, he learns about stories from the previous lives of the Buddha. The stories are interesting, but for Binh, it is difficult to sit still and clear his mind when he misses his Gameboy. While he struggles with silence, he learns important lessons about friendship, community, and being present. In the graphic novel "Enlighten Me," award-winning author Minh Lê and bestselling illustrator Chan Chau tell the story of a boy who gains a better understanding of himself as he works on quieting the mind and reflecting on dharma. Lê and Ch...

Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto

In "Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto," renowned Marxian scholar and philosopher Kohei Saito offers a compelling argument against the relentless pursuit of economic growth that permeates contemporary capitalism. Saito’s thesis focuses on the concept of degrowth—a radical reduction in production and consumption that aligns with sustainable ecological limits rather than constant expansion. Pictured above is Kohei Saito Saito makes a significant and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about sustainable living. Slow Down adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from environmental science, economics, and social theory to present a clear and urgent depiction of the current ecological crisis. Saito critiques the widely accepted belief that economic growth equates to progress and questions the sustainability of existing global consumption patterns. He advocates for a fundamental reshaping of our economic systems to prioritize human well-being and ecologica...

Minding the Wealth Gap

As a Black investor and startup founder, Cliff Goins IV brings firsthand experience and sharp insight to one of America’s most urgent issues: the racial wealth gap. Having navigated the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship, Goins has seen up close the systemic disparities in wealth creation, access to capital, and asset management. From unequal opportunities in homeownership and education to persistent challenges in business funding and employment, the historical gaps are perpetuated in present-day practices. In "Minding the Wealth Gap," Goins skillfully blends data, lived experience, and the insights of experts to illuminate the deep-rooted economic disparities facing Black Americans. More importantly, he highlights the power of collective uplift. Through the voices of nine dynamic “gap closers,” Goins shows how real change happens when Black investors and leaders open doors for others. Each success “play” or strategy underscores the ripple effect of support. Selena Cu...

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