Beneath a banyan tree's broad, expansive covering, the people of a small village in India find a center for community life. School children gather for a class, traders exchange goods, and villagers seek shelter from the mid-day sun. Later in the day, children will play in and around the tree and old men will gather to talk. All the while, high up in its branches, egrets and owls nest, langur monkeys play, and rose finches, fairy bluebirds and other birdlife feast on ripe red figs. The human and wildlife activity in around this tree that is sacred to the people of India is followed from dawn to dusk to dawn in a singular, informative text with full-color illustrations that stretch across each two-page spread. (Ages 8-11)

A fascinating look at the social, spiritual, and ecological significance of the banyan tree in the life of an Indian village. . . . A harmonius story, written out in calligraphy and warmly, colorfully illustrated.
--Kirkus Reviews, pointer reviews
At once a work of inspired botanical lore and a portrait of the ageless rhythms of the subcontinent.
--Smithsonian, Notable Book for Children
The exotic banyan tree teems with life through the day and night, and captivated readers are drawn into the wonderland.
--American Bookseller, Pick of the Lists
Luminous. --Booklist