Picture book 'The Wind Chasing Journey of the Chinese Tallow Tree Leaf' showcases beauty of Yilan's Sanxing

A new picture book, "The Wind Chasing Journey of the Chinese Tallow Tree Leaf," has been released in Sanxing Township, Yilan, Taiwan. The book, a collaboration between the Yihua Digital Opportunity Center and the Sanxing Township Office Digital Opportunity Center, uses the perspective of the Chinese tallow tree leaf, referencing Sanxing's old name "Hongchailin."

The narrative connects the historical railway at Dashan Station, the scenic Anong River with its cypress trees, and the Lanyang Power Plant, showcasing the beauty of Yilan's land. The text was written by Hsu Wen-wei, provost of National Taiwan Normal University, who employed personification and perspective shifts to give the tallow tree leaf a dynamic life. Local artist You Bai-wen illustrated the book with gentle brushstrokes, depicting the beauty of the cypress trees and weaving together natural landscapes with human stories. The book also subtly warns about ecological challenges, prompting reflection.

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This picture book is a gift to the local land. We hope readers will go from the book to the outdoors, to personally visit the beautiful scenery depicted.

The launch event featured discussions with the creators about their creative process. "Sister Rose" led interactive story sessions, engaging both children and adults with the book's themes and helping them connect with the unique local culture. Acting Sanxing Township Mayor Chiang Chun-ming described the book as a gift to the local land. He expressed hope that readers would venture outdoors to experience the beautiful scenery depicted and urged the public to use wisdom to cherish the natural environment, planting seeds of sustainable conservation in children's hearts.

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We call upon the public to use greater wisdom to cherish this good mountain and good water, allowing the seeds of sustainable conservation to continue to be deeply planted and sprout in the hearts of children.