“Puffy and the Formidable Foe” is an easy to read book about a youngster who goes out to play, then leaves home, and learns what a mistake that is. It also promises loads of fun and enjoyment for everyone in the family since Mom and Dad will be grateful for Puffy´s important message about straying away from home. Brother or sister will enjoy reading this book aloud, with words that rhyme after each line. Toddlers will thrill in the happy, colorful illustrations and listening to this story based on true life events. "Puffy and the Formidable Foe" offers parents a super way to make children aware and quickly sense the danger in roaming and meeting up with a stranger. It´s definitely an upbeat and provacative story that can find a place in every reader´s heart.

A red-haired naughty boy Hong Mao saw that a silly hare had hit its head accidently against a tree trunk and died. He picked up the hare, gave it to his mom so she could make it into a delicious dinner. He then waited near the trunk everyday hoping hares would come continuously and hit their heads against the tree. His dad had gone to town on a trip and had told Hong Mao to sow seeds in the farmland, but Hong Mao only concentrated on his plan of catching hares and forgot about the sowing.

Half a month later Hong Mao suddenly remembered his dad’s order. He then sowed seeds in a rush. Seedlings grew very slowly because of the delay in time. For fear of dad’s rebuke, Hong Mao quietly got up at midnight to “help” the seedlings grow more quickly by pulling them upward.

When Hong Mao’s dad came back home, he saw all of the seedlings lying down in the field with their roots exposed in the air. He knew that Hong Mao had done this. Dad asked Hong Mao why he had made this mess, and wanted him to admit his fault. Hong Mao did not acknowledge his mistake, but instead said that this had been the hares’ fault. Lately, no hares had come to hit their heads against the tree trunk, and so he had to wait patiently for them; had it not been for the hares’ fault, he would have remembered his task and would not have pulled the seedlings upward, and would not have been criticized by dad.

Hong Mao’s dad was so angry that he slapped Hong Mao’s face. Hong Mao did not cry. Instead, he decided that he would leave home to visit various scenic spots, and make a living wandering from place to place.

In his adventurous journey Hong Mao experienced more than a few strange affairs, met many interesting people and animals and learned a lot about the world. In the end, his trip turned the naughty boy into a good one.

************************

The Chinese language has become a popular subject to study in recent years. However, because it is not an alphabetic language and is quite different from other languages, it is not very easy to learn.

Are there any knacks to quicken the learning process? The answer is YES!

The key to success lies in learning Chinese idioms. Chinese idioms are not just a play on words; they are the heart and soul of the language.

There are roughly one thousand very popular idioms in Chinese, and among them, about half are most frequently in use. Many of them are very vivid and interesting. Learning Chinese idioms can greatly increase readers’ interest, and thus raise the speed of Chinese-learning. This story about a boy’s adventures connects a series of 366 most frequently used Chinese idioms. Through reading and remembering this interesting story, readers will be able to learn Chinese efficiently. An idiom a day kicks the Chinese-learning difficulty away.

For understanding Chinese idioms, readers should read THE KEY OF THIS BOOK first and then use the notes that were inserted into the story.

This book may function as a combination of a storybook and a textbook, with the story in the main body and the text in the notes. Readers can enjoy the story while they learn Chinese idioms at the same time and on the same page.

Many books in Chinese have characters in only one form, either the simplified form or the standardized form (i.e. the traditional form or the original complex form), but this book has both forms.

Many books in Chinese have only one kind of phonetic notation, which is the Chinese phonetic alphabet, or Chinese Pinying notation (mandarin pronunciations with four tones), but this book has both Chinese mandarin pronunciations with four tones and English pronunciations.

For readers’ convenience, the author has summarized all idioms mentioned in the story and placed them at the end of this book.

For people whose focus is not on learning Chinese, Hong Mao’s story is nonetheless worthy to read.

Readers can, if they prefer, skip all contents in Chinese and only read the story including all notes in English.

*************************

Please enjoy this book. It is a reward for your appreciation of the brilliant Chinese culture.

A red-haired naughty boy Hong Mao saw that a silly hare had hit its head accidently against a tree trunk and died. He picked up the hare, gave it to his mom so she could make it into a delicious dinner. He then waited near the trunk everyday hoping hares would come continuously and hit their heads against the tree. His dad had gone to town on a trip and had told Hong Mao to sow seeds in the farmland, but Hong Mao only concentrated on his plan of catching hares and forgot about the sowing.

Half a month later Hong Mao suddenly remembered his dad’s order. He then sowed seeds in a rush. Seedlings grew very slowly because of the delay in time. For fear of dad’s rebuke, Hong Mao quietly got up at midnight to “help” the seedlings grow more quickly by pulling them upward.

When Hong Mao’s dad came back home, he saw all of the seedlings lying down in the field with their roots exposed in the air. He knew that Hong Mao had done this. Dad asked Hong Mao why he had made this mess, and wanted him to admit his fault. Hong Mao did not acknowledge his mistake, but instead said that this had been the hares’ fault. Lately, no hares had come to hit their heads against the tree trunk, and so he had to wait patiently for them; had it not been for the hares’ fault, he would have remembered his task and would not have pulled the seedlings upward, and would not have been criticized by dad.

Hong Mao’s dad was so angry that he slapped Hong Mao’s face. Hong Mao did not cry. Instead, he decided that he would leave home to visit various scenic spots, and make a living wandering from place to place.

In his adventurous journey Hong Mao experienced more than a few strange affairs, met many interesting people and animals and learned a lot about the world. In the end, his trip turned the naughty boy into a good one.

************************

The Chinese language has become a popular subject to study in recent years. However, because it is not an alphabetic language and is quite different from other languages, it is not very easy to learn.

Are there any knacks to quicken the learning process? The answer is YES!

The key to success lies in learning Chinese idioms. Chinese idioms are not just a play on words; they are the heart and soul of the language.

There are roughly one thousand very popular idioms in Chinese, and among them, about half are most frequently in use. Many of them are very vivid and interesting. Learning Chinese idioms can greatly increase readers’ interest, and thus raise the speed of Chinese-learning. This story about a boy’s adventures connects a series of 366 most frequently used Chinese idioms. Through reading and remembering this interesting story, readers will be able to learn Chinese efficiently. An idiom a day kicks the Chinese-learning difficulty away.

For understanding Chinese idioms, readers should read THE KEY OF THIS BOOK first and then use the notes that were inserted into the story.

This book may function as a combination of a storybook and a textbook, with the story in the main body and the text in the notes. Readers can enjoy the story while they learn Chinese idioms at the same time and on the same page.

Many books in Chinese have characters in only one form, either the simplified form or the standardized form (i.e. the traditional form or the original complex form), but this book has both forms.

Many books in Chinese have only one kind of phonetic notation, which is the Chinese phonetic alphabet, or Chinese Pinying notation (mandarin pronunciations with four tones), but this book has both Chinese mandarin pronunciations with four tones and English pronunciations.

For readers’ convenience, the author has summarized all idioms mentioned in the story and placed them at the end of this book.

For people whose focus is not on learning Chinese, Hong Mao’s story is nonetheless worthy to read.

Readers can, if they prefer, skip all contents in Chinese and only read the story including all notes in English.

*************************

Please enjoy this book. It is a reward for your appreciation of the brilliant Chinese culture.

A red-haired naughty boy Hong Mao saw that a silly hare had hit its head accidently against a tree trunk and died. He picked up the hare, gave it to his mom so she could make it into a delicious dinner. He then waited near the trunk everyday hoping hares would come continuously and hit their heads against the tree. His dad had gone to town on a trip and had told Hong Mao to sow seeds in the farmland, but Hong Mao only concentrated on his plan of catching hares and forgot about the sowing.

Half a month later Hong Mao suddenly remembered his dad’s order. He then sowed seeds in a rush. Seedlings grew very slowly because of the delay in time. For fear of dad’s rebuke, Hong Mao quietly got up at midnight to “help” the seedlings grow more quickly by pulling them upward.

When Hong Mao’s dad came back home, he saw all of the seedlings lying down in the field with their roots exposed in the air. He knew that Hong Mao had done this. Dad asked Hong Mao why he had made this mess, and wanted him to admit his fault. Hong Mao did not acknowledge his mistake, but instead said that this had been the hares’ fault. Lately, no hares had come to hit their heads against the tree trunk, and so he had to wait patiently for them; had it not been for the hares’ fault, he would have remembered his task and would not have pulled the seedlings upward, and would not have been criticized by dad.

Hong Mao’s dad was so angry that he slapped Hong Mao’s face. Hong Mao did not cry. Instead, he decided that he would leave home to visit various scenic spots, and make a living wandering from place to place.

In his adventurous journey Hong Mao experienced more than a few strange affairs, met many interesting people and animals and learned a lot about the world. In the end, his trip turned the naughty boy into a good one.

************************

The Chinese language has become a popular subject to study in recent years. However, because it is not an alphabetic language and is quite different from other languages, it is not very easy to learn.

Are there any knacks to quicken the learning process? The answer is YES!

The key to success lies in learning Chinese idioms. Chinese idioms are not just a play on words; they are the heart and soul of the language.

There are roughly one thousand very popular idioms in Chinese, and among them, about half are most frequently in use. Many of them are very vivid and interesting. Learning Chinese idioms can greatly increase readers’ interest, and thus raise the speed of Chinese-learning. This story about a boy’s adventures connects a series of 366 most frequently used Chinese idioms. Through reading and remembering this interesting story, readers will be able to learn Chinese efficiently. An idiom a day kicks the Chinese-learning difficulty away.

For understanding Chinese idioms, readers should read THE KEY OF THIS BOOK first and then use the notes that were inserted into the story.

This book may function as a combination of a storybook and a textbook, with the story in the main body and the text in the notes. Readers can enjoy the story while they learn Chinese idioms at the same time and on the same page.

Many books in Chinese have characters in only one form, either the simplified form or the standardized form (i.e. the traditional form or the original complex form), but this book has both forms.

Many books in Chinese have only one kind of phonetic notation, which is the Chinese phonetic alphabet, or Chinese Pinying notation (mandarin pronunciations with four tones), but this book has both Chinese mandarin pronunciations with four tones and English pronunciations.

For readers’ convenience, the author has summarized all idioms mentioned in the story and placed them at the end of this book.

For people whose focus is not on learning Chinese, Hong Mao’s story is nonetheless worthy to read.

Readers can, if they prefer, skip all contents in Chinese and only read the story including all notes in English.

*************************

Please enjoy this book. It is a reward for your appreciation of the brilliant Chinese culture.

A People in Crisis . . . A Young Woman’s Adventure . . . A School for Life

The Orang Rimba (People of the Forest) are nomadic tribes living in the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia as hunter-gatherers. Today, the outside world has arrived at their doorstep. From illegal loggers chain-sawing the jungle to government-sponsored transmigrants working in palm oil plantations, the outsiders are encroaching upon the rainforest. While they have the skills needed to preserve their jungle, the Orang Rimba are ill prepared to deal with land contracts or sale of rainforest products. What can be done to help them?

Butet Manurung shares the journal she kept during her first year in the jungle. She tells of her adventures with stinging bees, prowling bears, and motorbikes. Most touchingly, she describes how her relationship with the Orang Rimba develops as she transforms from an outsider to a trusted teacher within the community. Her trials and errors are familiar to anyone who has ever been a teacher, even though her students often wear loincloths and trap animals for lunch. Will learning to read and write be enough to help the Orang Rimba save their rainforest?

Butet tells the story of her journey from anthropologist to educator to activist. She explains how and why she founded SOKOLA to bring literacy to indigenous people in areas too remote to access education. The work of this foundation and its adventurous volunteers is an excellent example of how a small number of individuals can effect change.

Praise for The Jungle School

“The traditional wisdom of the indigenous people of Indonesia is a truth that we must preserve. At the same time, the dilemma between introducing modernity, development and education while protecting their traditional way of life is another truth. I greatly appreciate the contribution and dedication of people like Butet Manurung who provide true insights into the Orang Rimba. The Jungle School speaks volumes from actual experience, recorded not only in an anthropological way, but also in a very human and personal way. This is a book that not only makes us realize that traditional wisdom and jungles need to be preserved, but also warms the heart.”

- Mari Pangestu, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism

“The Jungle School puts a human face on the results of logging and deforestation practices that directly threaten the existence of the Orang Rimba. Although the rights of the often-forgotten Rimba people are protected by our laws, their aspirations are sometimes ignored in the management of rainforests and their resources. Education for the Rimba is truly a gift for life. Butet’s story will change the hearts and minds of those who think otherwise.”

- Agus Purnomo, Special Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Climate Change

“The Jungle School comes at a critical moment in the development of the present civilization. It combats all the theoretical complexity of educational developments to smooth the process from literate society to knowledge society; welfare society to cultured and civilized society.

Butet Manurung shows that the impossible is possible by touching the hearts and minds of the Orang Rimba, by reaching the unreachable soul of an indigenous community, by helping us to understand what it means to be human. She inspires readers and takes them on a journey of educational adventure that highlights best practices, which can also be applied in any metropolitan jungle that needs intellectual perseverance. Butet shows her intellectual courage, integrity and her sacrifices to become a hero of education. She exercises the intellectual virtues that we all need today to have a healthy mind-set in the pursuit of human rights and dignity. “It is in the minds of men that the defense of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO Constitution)”

- Arief Rachman, Professor, Jakarta State University and Executive Chair, Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (Ministry of Education and Culture)

"Here is a book that engages in the same issues as Claude Lévi-Strauss’ classic study, Tristes Tropiques. It presents the portrait of a fledgling anthropologist who sets out to educate an isolated jungle population in Sumatra on how to deal with the modern world as it threatens to overwhelm them. This learning process works both ways and offers the reader rare insights into another world of living. This is a book to be enjoyed and appreciated."

- James J. Fox, Anthropologist, Australian National University

“Objectively, the Orang Rimba face insurmountable odds against the rape and pillage of their rainforest home. They are illiterate, have no legal titles to their land, no friends in high places. They reside at the bottom of the Indonesian social totem pole, living a life that might seem idyllic, but which has to face modern threats. Butet Manurung has guts, we can see that by her decision to live with the Orang Rimba in Sumatra. But she also has a dream, that by helping the Orang Rimba become literate and numerate these simple yet sophisticated people will be better able to fight against Big Timber, Big Oil Palm, Big Transmigration, and Big Government to retain control of their tribal lands. It’s a brave and imaginative strategy in the type of fight for traditional land rights that I’ve seen repeatedly in Southeast Asia, notably among the Penan of Borneo. Reading Butet’s refreshingly original book I recall Margaret Mead’s observation: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”

- Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, former head of international campaigns at WWF, author of Redheads and Soul of the Tiger

"Butet Manurung is your everyday, curious, young urbanite at the helm of an extraordinary adventure. A rare testament of the people we once were, and who still live secretly among us."

- Wena Poon, novelist, Prix Hemingway nominee and winner of the Willesden Herald Prize, UK

“With so much of today's news lauding the recent economic success of Indonesia, Butet's experience in the jungle reveals a much-less reported story and one that highlights the country's lopsided development. If every Indonesian teacher were to show the same love and devotion the country's future would be in safe hands. Unfortunately, that is far from assured given the government's failure to build enough schools and to raise the salaries of teachers to a wage commensurate with their importance. My last encounter with Butet was during the tsunami aftermath in Aceh, where she could be seen driving a truck to get water and other essentials to families who had lost everything. I admired her then and I admire her now for sharing with us the valuable lessons that many of us living in cities have forgotten or simply failed to learn.”

- Jason Tedjasukmana, TIME

“Butet gives us a beautiful view of Indonesia. The Jungle School is a touching tale of respect, courage, and love for children. I am so looking forward to an awesome film adaptation.”

- Riri Riza, award-winning Indonesia filmmaker

“A charming and heart-warming book, made more so of course because it opens a window on one of Indonesia's smaller and lesser known indigenous groups.”

- John McBeth, journalist and author

A People in Crisis . . . A Young Woman’s Adventure . . . A School for Life

The Orang Rimba (People of the Forest) are nomadic tribes living in the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia as hunter-gatherers. Today, the outside world has arrived at their doorstep. From illegal loggers chain-sawing the jungle to government-sponsored transmigrants working in palm oil plantations, the outsiders are encroaching upon the rainforest. While they have the skills needed to preserve their jungle, the Orang Rimba are ill prepared to deal with land contracts or sale of rainforest products. What can be done to help them?

Butet Manurung shares the journal she kept during her first year in the jungle. She tells of her adventures with stinging bees, prowling bears, and motorbikes. Most touchingly, she describes how her relationship with the Orang Rimba develops as she transforms from an outsider to a trusted teacher within the community. Her trials and errors are familiar to anyone who has ever been a teacher, even though her students often wear loincloths and trap animals for lunch. Will learning to read and write be enough to help the Orang Rimba save their rainforest?

Butet tells the story of her journey from anthropologist to educator to activist. She explains how and why she founded SOKOLA to bring literacy to indigenous people in areas too remote to access education. The work of this foundation and its adventurous volunteers is an excellent example of how a small number of individuals can effect change.

Praise for The Jungle School

“The traditional wisdom of the indigenous people of Indonesia is a truth that we must preserve. At the same time, the dilemma between introducing modernity, development and education while protecting their traditional way of life is another truth. I greatly appreciate the contribution and dedication of people like Butet Manurung who provide true insights into the Orang Rimba. The Jungle School speaks volumes from actual experience, recorded not only in an anthropological way, but also in a very human and personal way. This is a book that not only makes us realize that traditional wisdom and jungles need to be preserved, but also warms the heart.”

- Mari Pangestu, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism

“The Jungle School puts a human face on the results of logging and deforestation practices that directly threaten the existence of the Orang Rimba. Although the rights of the often-forgotten Rimba people are protected by our laws, their aspirations are sometimes ignored in the management of rainforests and their resources. Education for the Rimba is truly a gift for life. Butet’s story will change the hearts and minds of those who think otherwise.”

- Agus Purnomo, Special Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Climate Change

“The Jungle School comes at a critical moment in the development of the present civilization. It combats all the theoretical complexity of educational developments to smooth the process from literate society to knowledge society; welfare society to cultured and civilized society.

Butet Manurung shows that the impossible is possible by touching the hearts and minds of the Orang Rimba, by reaching the unreachable soul of an indigenous community, by helping us to understand what it means to be human. She inspires readers and takes them on a journey of educational adventure that highlights best practices, which can also be applied in any metropolitan jungle that needs intellectual perseverance. Butet shows her intellectual courage, integrity and her sacrifices to become a hero of education. She exercises the intellectual virtues that we all need today to have a healthy mind-set in the pursuit of human rights and dignity. “It is in the minds of men that the defense of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO Constitution)”

- Arief Rachman, Professor, Jakarta State University and Executive Chair, Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (Ministry of Education and Culture)

"Here is a book that engages in the same issues as Claude Lévi-Strauss’ classic study, Tristes Tropiques. It presents the portrait of a fledgling anthropologist who sets out to educate an isolated jungle population in Sumatra on how to deal with the modern world as it threatens to overwhelm them. This learning process works both ways and offers the reader rare insights into another world of living. This is a book to be enjoyed and appreciated."

- James J. Fox, Anthropologist, Australian National University

“Objectively, the Orang Rimba face insurmountable odds against the rape and pillage of their rainforest home. They are illiterate, have no legal titles to their land, no friends in high places. They reside at the bottom of the Indonesian social totem pole, living a life that might seem idyllic, but which has to face modern threats. Butet Manurung has guts, we can see that by her decision to live with the Orang Rimba in Sumatra. But she also has a dream, that by helping the Orang Rimba become literate and numerate these simple yet sophisticated people will be better able to fight against Big Timber, Big Oil Palm, Big Transmigration, and Big Government to retain control of their tribal lands. It’s a brave and imaginative strategy in the type of fight for traditional land rights that I’ve seen repeatedly in Southeast Asia, notably among the Penan of Borneo. Reading Butet’s refreshingly original book I recall Margaret Mead’s observation: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”

- Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, former head of international campaigns at WWF, author of Redheads and Soul of the Tiger

"Butet Manurung is your everyday, curious, young urbanite at the helm of an extraordinary adventure. A rare testament of the people we once were, and who still live secretly among us."

- Wena Poon, novelist, Prix Hemingway nominee and winner of the Willesden Herald Prize, UK

“With so much of today's news lauding the recent economic success of Indonesia, Butet's experience in the jungle reveals a much-less reported story and one that highlights the country's lopsided development. If every Indonesian teacher were to show the same love and devotion the country's future would be in safe hands. Unfortunately, that is far from assured given the government's failure to build enough schools and to raise the salaries of teachers to a wage commensurate with their importance. My last encounter with Butet was during the tsunami aftermath in Aceh, where she could be seen driving a truck to get water and other essentials to families who had lost everything. I admired her then and I admire her now for sharing with us the valuable lessons that many of us living in cities have forgotten or simply failed to learn.”

- Jason Tedjasukmana, TIME

“Butet gives us a beautiful view of Indonesia. The Jungle School is a touching tale of respect, courage, and love for children. I am so looking forward to an awesome film adaptation.”

- Riri Riza, award-winning Indonesia filmmaker

“A charming and heart-warming book, made more so of course because it opens a window on one of Indonesia's smaller and lesser known indigenous groups.”

- John McBeth, journalist and author

A People in Crisis . . . A Young Woman’s Adventure . . . A School for Life

The Orang Rimba (People of the Forest) are nomadic tribes living in the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia as hunter-gatherers. Today, the outside world has arrived at their doorstep. From illegal loggers chain-sawing the jungle to government-sponsored transmigrants working in palm oil plantations, the outsiders are encroaching upon the rainforest. While they have the skills needed to preserve their jungle, the Orang Rimba are ill prepared to deal with land contracts or sale of rainforest products. What can be done to help them?

Butet Manurung shares the journal she kept during her first year in the jungle. She tells of her adventures with stinging bees, prowling bears, and motorbikes. Most touchingly, she describes how her relationship with the Orang Rimba develops as she transforms from an outsider to a trusted teacher within the community. Her trials and errors are familiar to anyone who has ever been a teacher, even though her students often wear loincloths and trap animals for lunch. Will learning to read and write be enough to help the Orang Rimba save their rainforest?

Butet tells the story of her journey from anthropologist to educator to activist. She explains how and why she founded SOKOLA to bring literacy to indigenous people in areas too remote to access education. The work of this foundation and its adventurous volunteers is an excellent example of how a small number of individuals can effect change.

Praise for The Jungle School

“The traditional wisdom of the indigenous people of Indonesia is a truth that we must preserve. At the same time, the dilemma between introducing modernity, development and education while protecting their traditional way of life is another truth. I greatly appreciate the contribution and dedication of people like Butet Manurung who provide true insights into the Orang Rimba. The Jungle School speaks volumes from actual experience, recorded not only in an anthropological way, but also in a very human and personal way. This is a book that not only makes us realize that traditional wisdom and jungles need to be preserved, but also warms the heart.”

- Mari Pangestu, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism

“The Jungle School puts a human face on the results of logging and deforestation practices that directly threaten the existence of the Orang Rimba. Although the rights of the often-forgotten Rimba people are protected by our laws, their aspirations are sometimes ignored in the management of rainforests and their resources. Education for the Rimba is truly a gift for life. Butet’s story will change the hearts and minds of those who think otherwise.”

- Agus Purnomo, Special Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Climate Change

“The Jungle School comes at a critical moment in the development of the present civilization. It combats all the theoretical complexity of educational developments to smooth the process from literate society to knowledge society; welfare society to cultured and civilized society.

Butet Manurung shows that the impossible is possible by touching the hearts and minds of the Orang Rimba, by reaching the unreachable soul of an indigenous community, by helping us to understand what it means to be human. She inspires readers and takes them on a journey of educational adventure that highlights best practices, which can also be applied in any metropolitan jungle that needs intellectual perseverance. Butet shows her intellectual courage, integrity and her sacrifices to become a hero of education. She exercises the intellectual virtues that we all need today to have a healthy mind-set in the pursuit of human rights and dignity. “It is in the minds of men that the defense of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO Constitution)”

- Arief Rachman, Professor, Jakarta State University and Executive Chair, Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (Ministry of Education and Culture)

"Here is a book that engages in the same issues as Claude Lévi-Strauss’ classic study, Tristes Tropiques. It presents the portrait of a fledgling anthropologist who sets out to educate an isolated jungle population in Sumatra on how to deal with the modern world as it threatens to overwhelm them. This learning process works both ways and offers the reader rare insights into another world of living. This is a book to be enjoyed and appreciated."

- James J. Fox, Anthropologist, Australian National University

“Objectively, the Orang Rimba face insurmountable odds against the rape and pillage of their rainforest home. They are illiterate, have no legal titles to their land, no friends in high places. They reside at the bottom of the Indonesian social totem pole, living a life that might seem idyllic, but which has to face modern threats. Butet Manurung has guts, we can see that by her decision to live with the Orang Rimba in Sumatra. But she also has a dream, that by helping the Orang Rimba become literate and numerate these simple yet sophisticated people will be better able to fight against Big Timber, Big Oil Palm, Big Transmigration, and Big Government to retain control of their tribal lands. It’s a brave and imaginative strategy in the type of fight for traditional land rights that I’ve seen repeatedly in Southeast Asia, notably among the Penan of Borneo. Reading Butet’s refreshingly original book I recall Margaret Mead’s observation: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”

- Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, former head of international campaigns at WWF, author of Redheads and Soul of the Tiger

"Butet Manurung is your everyday, curious, young urbanite at the helm of an extraordinary adventure. A rare testament of the people we once were, and who still live secretly among us."

- Wena Poon, novelist, Prix Hemingway nominee and winner of the Willesden Herald Prize, UK

“With so much of today's news lauding the recent economic success of Indonesia, Butet's experience in the jungle reveals a much-less reported story and one that highlights the country's lopsided development. If every Indonesian teacher were to show the same love and devotion the country's future would be in safe hands. Unfortunately, that is far from assured given the government's failure to build enough schools and to raise the salaries of teachers to a wage commensurate with their importance. My last encounter with Butet was during the tsunami aftermath in Aceh, where she could be seen driving a truck to get water and other essentials to families who had lost everything. I admired her then and I admire her now for sharing with us the valuable lessons that many of us living in cities have forgotten or simply failed to learn.”

- Jason Tedjasukmana, TIME

“Butet gives us a beautiful view of Indonesia. The Jungle School is a touching tale of respect, courage, and love for children. I am so looking forward to an awesome film adaptation.”

- Riri Riza, award-winning Indonesia filmmaker

“A charming and heart-warming book, made more so of course because it opens a window on one of Indonesia's smaller and lesser known indigenous groups.”

- John McBeth, journalist and author