Three orphans from Kenya stow away on an airplane to embark on a desperate quest to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations in New York City and deliver a message they hope will help millions of homeless and hurting children in Africa. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz becomes their guidebook as they journey alone across the United States.

The trio—one with HIV, one blind amputee, and one who hasn’t spoken for years after watching her family slaughtered—find themselves embroiled in a situation beyond their imaginations as they get close to meeting their goal.

This book was written with the hope of raising awareness of the millions of people in Africa who suffer the effects of malnutrition, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and the unspeakable atrocities associated with armed conflicts.You can help by doing whatever you’re able to do: send a donation,learn what’s going on, offer a home, visit the continent, buy…

The Leopard Tree has just received Third Place in the Evvy Awards by Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA). The award was given at CIPA’s annual Evvy Award Banquet at CIPA College 2008 on Friday, March 28, at the Red Lion Hotel in Denver, Colorado. Judge Comment: “. . . the story drew me in and transported me to another place. When I finished reading the last page and put the book down, it was like a magnificently played symphony when a hush falls over the concert hall after the last note is played. There is not a dry eye in the house. The plot moved me in a way I was not expecting. Daudi, Ramla, and Masozi could be names of any of any of the hundreds of children one might hear about in the news.”

Twice I’ve had the privilege of visiting Africa with friends on ecotours. I have done nothing as thoughtful or amazing as Joe Wodiuk. I admire his courage and determination in what he has already done and I know he’s planning to do more. Like many others who have taken this trip, Joe commented that the kids amaze him. They live with immense challenge, but do not complain to strangers. They seem hopeful very often in the face of dangers few of us in the United States will face. Dee Flower, another friend from a Kenya ecotour, said, “I went to see the wildlife, but fell in love with the people.” I feel like that as well.

Two gentlemen from Malawi commanded the attention of all those in attendance at the National Association for Interpretation’s (NAI) second annual Interpreting World Heritage Conference in Vancouver, BC, in March 2007. Aaron Maluwa and Michael Gondwe attended on scholarships from UBC Museum of Anthropology, Commonwealth Association of Museums, Aldrich Pears consultants group, and NAI. They both dressed in suits and ties though casual dress among attendees was more common, but it was their friendly, open approach rather than their dress that caught everyone’s eye. I saw them only briefly the first day, but heard about their presentation from many attendees. Those who had seen it asked the staff to have them present again, so that those who missed the emotional program could have the chance to see it.

Michael and Aaron explained that they operate the educational programs for the five Museums of Malawi. They assured us that few local…

The Leopard Tree grabbed every emotion I had and brought it to the surface. I couldn’t put it down! This book allows one to question the fairness of this world and ask how one small person can help. Being a teacher and also visiting Africa myself, I am excited to present this book to my peers and classroom; for I know The Leopard Tree will be an excellent piece of literature that students and teachers can discuss. This book will be a springboard into broadening minds and opening hearts. Congratulations on a superb piece of work!
- Jill Wodiuk

Tim and Lisa congratulations on your book! I felt that you captured the heart of the African children who have aids and disabilities that limit their chance of a healthy survival. I say survival having worked with blind and disabled orphans in central Tanzania in a village called Wasa. After working with blind orphans…

Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman have spent the last four decades helping people connect with our global natural and cultural heritage. Through their books and speaking engagements, they hope to help others to know more and do more about the daily challenges in meeting basic needs that face tens of millions of people in developing nations.When they are not traveling the globe, Tim and Lisa live in Fort Collins, Colorado, on a small farm where they raise much of their own food. They can be contacted by clicking here.