The book is a spin-off from my tween sci-fi trilogy, The Story of Q, and is told from the perspective of Tukaa, the talking tree, featured in book two, Misha Goes Missing.
Tukaa, an elder and mentor, enjoys sharing his memories with Inkaa, a promising apprentice, and by doing so, also teaches the sapling important lessons along the way. As Tukaa relays the ancient history of their sacred island of Inda he recalls The Memories of Omunii, also known as the First Tree or Grandfather. Along the way, the young one is told about Junda, the great force that flows through everything, connecting all life forms within their biosphere. Later he is introduced to the story of the Accuu, the bi-pedal beings from the nearby islands of Ota, Rantuu, and Jainda, who eventually revisit Inda every seven years in celebration of Oma (the nature spirit) and the two moons, Kangii and Golinda. Eventually, Inka is amazed when he learns about Rachael and Jenny, the two visiting humans from the planet Earth, who find their way to Accunii, through a mysterious portal.
A note to parents and educators...
While the Story of Q, and Tukaa's Tale, are works of fiction, I heavily relied on science, history, and language arts to help bring the story to life.
Book one introduces us to the "Q", and we learn their language as we read through the series.
In book two, Rachael gains insight into history when she discovers that her beloved neighbor was part of the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen (an all-black fighter squadron), during World War II.
Rachael continues pursuing her passion for astronomy, in book three, as she realizes her dream of attending Space Camp, and meeting real-life planetologist, Dr. Dan Durda, who happily agreed to participate in my project.
Finally, Tukaa's Tale emphasizes the exploration of the biosphere, as Tukaa and Omunii take you on a tour of their planet.
Here's to always being an eternal student...
Marion
