The Chief's Green Rule: A Story of Trees, Water, and Wisdom

By Pawa Seyni

For every tree we take, we must plant five new ones.

High in the Ethiopian highlands, Chief Mael makes a special rule for his village: for every tree taken, five must be planted in its place. Not everyone understands at first. The work is hard. The soil is dry. The children's legs grow tired. But as the seasons turn, Chief Mael's village grows greener - while a neighboring village that plants nothing watches its hillsides turn barren, its river choke with mud, and its water disappear.

Through vivid watercolor illustrations and lyrical storytelling rooted in African oral traditions, The Chief's Green Rule teaches children that caring for nature is caring for each other - and that small hands planting seeds today grow mighty forests tomorrow.

Perfect for: ages 3-9, Earth Day read-alouds, classroom discussions about the environment, lessons in stewardship and intergenerational responsibility, gift giving, and any family raising small guardians of the planet.

Includes activity pages, a note from the author, and five interesting facts about Ethiopia.

A portion of proceeds from every Pawa Seyni book supports the Sen Yakaar Foundation, bringing books and learning resources to children across the West African diaspora. Learn more at senyakaar.org.

Published by Pawa Publishing.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1069462861
• ISBN13: 9781069462862
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Pawa Publishing
• Length: 30 Pages
• Weight: 0.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 3 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 4