There was a boy who, through his own efforts, created an entire forest. This legendary young man was later hailed by India’s Jawaharlal Nehru University as the “Son of India’s Forests”—his name is Jadav Payeng. This book recounts the true story of how Jadav Payeng saved Majuli, the world’s largest river island covered in forest, a tale that is deeply moving. The final pages also include detailed introductions to the forest’s plants and animals.
With lush, verdant illustrations, the moment you open this book, it feels as though you’re strolling through a vibrant, thriving woodland—so captivating that you’ll never want to leave.
The book features a retro, eco‑friendly design and partners with the charity Trees for the Future, joining forces to advance the noble cause of tree planting.

Due to the relentless onslaught of the monsoon climate, Majuli, a riverine forest island in India, has been threatened with being washed away. Jadav, an Indian boy who lives on the island, resolved to save the forest he holds dear.
This book tells the true story of how Jadav devoted his life to creating a lush, thriving forest—one that continues to flourish to this day.
As our world today grapples with the impacts of climate change, the inspiring tale of “India’s Forest Man,” Jadav Payeng, reminds readers that even one person’s efforts should never be underestimated when it comes to the noble mission of safeguarding nature.

Kay Widdowson[Illustrator]
Kay is a freelance illustrator based in Collyton, Manchester. For the past 34 years, she has made her living through art. She studied at Chesterfield College of Art and Design, where she discovered her passion for illustration and design. After graduating, she worked as an animator on children’s television programs for five years before transitioning to freelance writing. Since then, she has been a self-employed illustrator of children’s books. All her work is hand‑painted using gouache, felt‑tip pens, and colored pencils. She loves spending her days in the studio with her cat Pablo, the radio playing, a brush in hand, coffee and cookies at the ready, painting away all day long.