Inspiration Behind My Upcoming Picture Book

Imagine this: every single second, a patch of forest the size of a football field disappears. Since 2016, this relentless deforestation has led to the loss of 28 million hectares of forest each year. This loss is immense and ongoing. In the United Kingdom alone, 5.54 thousand hectares of natural forest were lost in 2022—a significant setback in a country where natural forests cover only 20% of the land. Forests are vanishing faster than we can replace them, stripping the earth of the stability, biodiversity, and balance that trees provide. If we don’t act, we risk losing our trees and the essential ecosystems they sustain.

In 2023, reality hit me hard during my annual trip to India. Since moving to the UK in 2001, I have visited my homeland, Kullu and Manali every year. Each time, I’ve seen India evolve—cities expanding, technology advancing, and life buzzing with unstoppable energy. It always filled me with pride to see the progress.

But this visit was different.

When I arrived, I heard the devastating news—massive floods had torn through northern India, and my hometown was among the worst-hit areas. Roads were destroyed, homes were underwater, and families had been forced to leave everything behind. The valley I had always known as a place of stunning landscapes was now unrecognisable.

The hardest part? I was in India, yet I couldn’t even reach Kullu. The floods had cut it off completely—roads gone, communication lines down, travel impossible. It was heartbreaking to know that the place I loved so much was suffering, and there was nothing I could do at that moment to change it. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.

This experience was a powerful reminder that the consequences can be devastating when nature's balance is disturbed. It’s not just Kullu and Manali or even India at risk—it’s the entire world. Restoring this balance is not just important, it’s essential for our future. Deforestation, climate change, and unchecked development have made regions all over the world increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. Nature is resilient, but it is also delicate, and human actions have put it at risk. This visit was more than meeting my parents; it became a call to action. I felt an urgent need to contribute.

But how? I thought.

The answer came through a story.

Storytelling for Change

This experience inspired me to write my upcoming picture book, The Gift that Gives Back, to raise awareness about the importance of trees. Through the story, I aim to inspire children and adults alike to understand the importance of trees and why it is important to plant and conserve more trees.

Through this picture book, I want to launch a "Tree Buddy Initiative" campaign inviting adults and children to plant or adopt a tree and be part of something truly special. Imagine a world where everyone has a tree buddy—especially children, who can watch their tree grow alongside them, noticing the changes through the seasons. I believe this simple connection with nature can bring joy and nurture a sense of responsibility, teaching children to appreciate, value, and protect the world around them.

Why Should We Plant Trees?

Tackling climate change starts with cutting carbon emissions—but that alone isn’t enough. We also need to remove the carbon that’s already in the atmosphere, and trees are nature’s most powerful tool to do just that. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, helping to slow down global warming. In fact, just one tree can remove up to a tonne of CO₂ over its lifetime! And it’s not just stored in the tree itself—carbon is also locked into the soil, creating a lasting impact. The climate crisis is urgent, and we need to act fast. By planting and protecting trees, we can capture more carbon, restore ecosystems, and create a healthier planet for future generations.

I also acknowledge that it’s not always practical to plant a tree in our backyards —but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference! That’s why, instead of gifts, I now donate funds on my birthday (and my family’s birthdays) to a Charity Trust that plants a tree on our behalf. It’s a simple gesture, but one that grows into something meaningful—a lasting gift for the planet. If each of us either plants a tree or donates to have one planted, we can create a greener planet and protect nature for future generations. After all, if we care for the earth, it gives back in ways beyond measure.

If you want to be a part of this initiative, send a message to monica@authorinme.com. Together, we can create a difference.