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Table of Contents
About The Book
A boy learns how to care for and weave the roots of the living tree bridges in his village in India in this narrative nonfiction picture book perfect for fans of We Are Water Protectors and The Tree Lady.
In the mountains of Meghalaya, India, a living bridge stands tall, connecting the land and its people with the interwoven roots of tall, wide ficus trees. The bridge is called Jingkieng Jri, and it’s alive. A little boy can’t wait to learn to weave the roots together just like the generations before him.
But when he notices litter on the bridge and scars on the roots from people stealing sap, he knows Jinkieng Jri doesn’t just need shaping, it needs love. By rallying his community and even visiting tourists, the boy protects the living bridge and shares his message of care.
In the mountains of Meghalaya, India, a living bridge stands tall, connecting the land and its people with the interwoven roots of tall, wide ficus trees. The bridge is called Jingkieng Jri, and it’s alive. A little boy can’t wait to learn to weave the roots together just like the generations before him.
But when he notices litter on the bridge and scars on the roots from people stealing sap, he knows Jinkieng Jri doesn’t just need shaping, it needs love. By rallying his community and even visiting tourists, the boy protects the living bridge and shares his message of care.
About The Author
Photo courtesy of the author
Sandhya Acharya grew up in India and now lives in California, with her husband and two sons. After working as a finance professional for many years, she traded spreadsheets for words. When not writing, she’s training for the next marathon, climbing a mountain, learning a form of Indian classical dance, or volunteering. She can be reached at SandhyaAcharya.com.
About The Illustrator
Photo courtesy of the illustrator
Avani Dwivedi is an author and illustrator of picture books including her debut, My Bollywood Dream. A graduate of Maryland Institute College of Arts, Avani grew up in Navi Mumbai, India, and later moved to the states to pursue her passion of becoming an artist. Even when away from home, she held on to her most precious gems—memories of her sweet childhood, the lived experience of being a South-Asian woman, and her love for creating whimsical art. Currently, she lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Why We Love It
“Readers will be amazed to learn about these unique living bridges made from tree roots, and also inspired to care for their own local trees and environment.”
—Catherine L., Senior Editor, on Living Bridges
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (June 12, 2025)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665950299
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Living Bridges Hardcover 9781665950299
- Author Photo (jpg): Sandhya Acharya Photo courtesy of the author(0.1 MB)
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