A true story of restoration — told in English and Spanish
In Colombia’s Llanos — once a barren, treeless savanna — a community called Gaviotas did something extraordinary. Under Paolo Lugari’s vision, they planted trees, built clean-energy systems, and brought a rainforest back to life.
The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso tells that story in both English and Spanish, side by side — making it welcoming for bilingual families, dual-language classrooms, and anyone learning either language. Clear, engaging nonfiction for ages 8–12 that offers something rare: a true environmental story with a genuinely hopeful ending.
Awards & recognition
- American Book Festival Best Book Award — Children’s Nonfiction Softcover Picture Book
- Silver Nautilus Award — Children’s Illustrated Nonfiction
- Moonbeam Silver Award — Environmental Issues
- Green Earth Book Award 2025 — Recommended Reading
- Readers’ Choice 2025 — Finalist
- Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award 2025 — Honorable Mention
- North American Environmental Association — Recommendation
Ellen Dee Davidson
Softcover: 978-1-961905-13-9 | $13.95
E-book: 978-1-961905-10-8 | $3.99
October 2024 | 52 pages | Nonfiction | Age: 8-12 years
Wholesale inquiries from retailers and schools are welcome via our Contact page. Schools receive a 10% discount on all purchases. 12 Willows titles are also available through all major bookseller platforms.
Using The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso with young readers
This book works well beyond the page. A few ways to extend the experience:
The Gaviotas story — Gaviotas is a real place that still exists. Invite students to research it — what is it like today? What happened to the forest? It’s a rare example of a community-led environmental success story worth knowing.
Bilingual reading — The side-by-side English and Spanish pages make this ideal for language learning in both directions. English speakers can follow along in Spanish, and Spanish speakers in English. Read a page in one language, then the other.
Reforestation and solutions thinking — Rather than focusing on what’s been lost, this book focuses on what’s been rebuilt. Use it to shift the conversation from climate despair toward climate action — what can communities actually do?
Connecting to your own place — The Llanos is far away, but the questions the book raises are universal. What does the land around your school or home look like? What used to grow there? What could?
In the media
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive – “The Power of Nature and Community:
AATA’s Special Connection with ‘The Miracle Forest'” – October 24, 2024
Natural Awakenings Chicago – “Nature Immersion: The Healing Power of Wilderness”
by Ellen Dee Davidson – March 31, 2025
Spirit of Change – “Angel Trees” by Ellen Dee Davidson – April 14, 2025
Evolution Radio Show – Gwilda Wiyaka – “Ellen Dee Davidson –
Healing Through Forest Bathing” – April 23, 2025
“The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso stands out not only for its environmental message but also for its accessibility as a bilingual English and Spanish text. This thoughtful inclusion makes the story available to a wider audience and enriches the global conversation on sustainable development and environmental activism.”
—Alejandro Riveria, language tutor and writing instructor
“This remarkable tale highlights how creativity and determination can solve even the most complex environmental challenges. The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso showcases innovations that readers interested in sustainability and eco-friendly solutions will find both practical and inspiring.”
—Carlie Miles, sustainability consultant
“The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso is an inspiring testament to the power of human ingenuity and perseverance in restoring nature. This story offers readers a much-needed sense of hope for the future of our planet and showcases the potential for environmental renewal even in the harshest conditions.”
—Dr. Maria Gonzalez, ecologist and environmental policy expert
“At its heart, The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso is a moving exploration of resilience, both personal and environmental. Readers will be inspired by the determination of a small group of people who refuse to give up on their dream of creating a harmonious world for humans and nature.”
—Lydia Brown, mental health advocate and author
“The Miracle Forest / El Bosque Milagroso offers more than just an incredible success story; it provides practical lessons for sustainable living. Readers will walk away with a deep understanding of how innovative solutions can lead to a more harmonious relationship with the Earth.”
—Elliot Davis, sustainability and technology consultant
