Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

A Story of Sustainable Farming
By Jan Reynolds
Paperback: $13.95

A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

Front cover for El ciclo del arroz, el ciclo de la vida by Jan Reynolds and Jan Reynolds
This book is also available in Spanish
El ciclo del arroz, el ciclo de la vida
By Jan Reynolds

Description

On the island of Bali in Southeast Asia, rice farming is a way of life. The people live in tune with the natural rhythms and cycles of the water and the soil. Ingrained in their community and culture, rice farming connects them to the land and one another.

Balinese farmers have planted rice using an intricate system of water sharing and crop rotation for more than a thousand years. Intertwined with their spiritual, social, and day-to-day lives, this system has made Bali a leading producer of one of the world’s most important crops. And because Balinese rice farming respects the balances of nature, it serves as a remarkable example of sustainable agriculture in an increasingly industrialized world.

With lush photographs and captivating text, Jan Reynolds explores the traditional world of rice farming on the beautiful island of Bali. Readers of all ages will come away with an enhanced awareness of how we farm, eat, and live today, and the effects these practices have on the world of tomorrow.

About the Creators

Jan Reynolds

Jan Reynolds is an award-winning author and photographer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times, and Outside magazine. All seven books in her Vanishing Cultures series of photo-essays for children were recognized as Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and she is also the author of Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures; Only the Mountains Do Not Move, and The Lion Queens of India. Reynolds holds the world record for women's high altitude skiing, was part of the first expedition to circumnavigate Mount Everest, and performed a solo crossing of the Himalayas. She lives with her family in Stowe, Vermont. Please visit her on the web at janreynolds.com.

Awards

  • Notable Books for a Global Society

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Riverby Award for Young Readers

    John Burroughs Association

Reviews

  • "In a clear and dynamic voice, the author gracefully weaves information on Balinese spiritual ritual practices and the dangers of overproduction into the explanation of this tiny--but oh-so-powerful--grain."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "This photo-essay, filled with beautiful color images, uses the millennium-old tradition of Balinese rice farming as a starting point to introduce basic concepts of sustainability. In precise, accessible language, Reynolds describes the ancient agricultural practices, which are integrally linked to Balinese religion and even to conflict resolution among neighbors. In demonstrating how sustainability extends from natural cycles to agriculture to the spiritual life of a community, Reynolds offers young readers a broad, deep understanding of the concept, even as she provides a fascinating introduction to a specific culture. . . . The substantive material will easily support reports . . . and the arresting images and recurring focus on two children will help kids connect to the facts. An author's note, suggested Web sites, and color map conclude this handsome, unusual offering."

    - Booklist
  • "Illustrated with beautiful photographs throughout, Cycle of Rice. Cycle of Life is highly recommended as a glimpse into the positive traditions of Balinese agriculture, and the universal message of responsible stewardship."

    - Midwest Book Review

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620140789
  • Price $13.95
  • Publication Date May 01, 2009
  • Trim Size 9.5 × 10.25 in
  • Weight 0.5625 lbs
  • Page Count 48
  • Word Count 3478
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600602542
  • Price $19.95
  • Publication Date May 01, 2009
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 48
  • Word Count 3478
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / People & Places / Asia
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Technology / Agriculture
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Science & Nature / Earth Sciences / Water(Oceans, Lakes, etc.)
  • Themes Animal / Biodiversity / Plant Adaptations, Animals, Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Earth / Sun / Moon System, Environment / Nature, Exploring Ecosystems, Families, Farming, Food, How-to / Instructional Nonfiction, Human Impact On Environment / Environmental Sustainability, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Nature / Science, Nonfiction, Occupations, Photographic Illustrations, Religion / Spiritual, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation, Sharing & Giving, STEM / STEAM, Water, Weather / Seasons / Clothing
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 13
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 8
  • Guided Reading V
  • ATOS Book Level 8
  • DRA 50
  • Interest Level Grades 3 - 8
  • Lexile Level 1190
  • Reading Level Grades 4 - 5
  • SRC 11.8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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