Robin and the Marvelous Maple: a Story of Reciprocity with Nature

Robin and the Marvelous Maple: a Story of Reciprocity with Nature
Written and illustrated by Madeline Hope Weinstein

Welcome to the world of Robin and the Marvelous Maple, written, illustrated, and photographed by Madeline Weinstein and inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass. 

Young Robin has always been fascinated with the natural world and every wonderful being in it. She learns about something called reciprocity with nature from her teacher at school and begins to see the beautiful things in the outside world as teachers, too! Robin sets off on an adventure to give back. Along the way she learns to wonder, and, over time, continues to discover what it means to be a member of Earth's web.

My kids and I really liked the illustrations. We liked the mix of illustrations with the landscape photography. It gives it a fun feel for the kids. We get to learn about reciprocity. “When it comes to the world around us, reciprocity means giving back to Earth for all that Earth gives to us.” Robin spends every minute she can outside. She wanders. She listens. She writes what she notices and what she wonders about in her journal, observing every plant, bird, and bug. She says thank you to them all. One of the ways she practices reciprocity is by planting a Maple tree. My kids laughed at the part where Robin falls in the mud and still says thank you to earth. My daughter said, “I’d be mad.” This book is great if you have kids who love the outdoors. It really gets them to listen to earth’s language and just wonder at the amazing things the earth provides. 
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About The Author
Maddie Weinstein is a high school student from New Jersey. She spent her junior semester at Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki in Wiscasset, Maine, where she was inspired by the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer. Through this book, Maddie combines her love of photography and teaching to share the message of reciprocity with the world. 

Maddie is the author, photographer, and illustrator. She cares deeply about Robinís message, and hopes that after reading this story you too will find your own way to pass along reciprocity!

Where Does It Go?
The profits made by each purchase of Robin and the Marvelous Maple go towards supporting Trees, Water & People, helping people and the planet! Trees, Water & People is working towards a world of climate justice for all, equity, and community. Check them out at treeswaterpeople.org!