When the village river is stolen by a greedy chief, Ajeet travels with her grandfather to the city to demand its return. What begins as one farmer’s stand swells into a movement a million voices strong.
But will their voices be enough to save their fields, their food, and their future?
Through rhyming verse and culturally rich imagery, The Stolen River introduces children to water rights, celebrates the power of people standing together, and encourages them to use their voices to create extraordinary change.
A rhyming story that introduces children to water rights, celebrates the power of people standing together, and encourages them to use their voices to create extraordinary change.
Comes with discussion prompts to deepen understanding, and a craft activity to activate children’s voices and sense of agency.
Perfect for ages 5-8.
With every copy of this book, Rootkeepers will plant one tree in Punjab to support reforestation efforts.
A rhyming story that introduces children to water rights, celebrates the power of people standing together, and encourages them to use their voices to create extraordinary change.
Comes with discussion prompts to deepen understanding, and a craft activity to activate children’s voices and sense of agency.
Perfect for ages 5-8.
With every copy of this book, Rootkeepers will plant one tree in Punjab to support reforestation efforts.
Meet the main characters
Ajeet
Sohan
Chief
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Explore the themes of this book
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Children will feel empowered to use their own voice, and to lead with reason, when something isn’t fair.
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Young readers discover that land and water are shared resources, not trophies for the most powerful, and start to ask who is included—and who is left out.
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Children begin to connect the dots between rivers, farmers, and the meals on their plates, and to recognise fairness and gratitude as part of eating.
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At the heart of the journey is a tender bond between granddaughter and grandfather, inviting families to cherish the stories, strength, and comfort that elders bring.
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Children will see a Sikh-Punjabi family at the heart of the story, with values, actions and cultural details that reflect real lives.
With every print copy of The Stolen River, Rootkeepers will plant one tree in Punjab, to contribute to reforestation efforts.
Trees hold riverbank soil in place, filter pollutants, regulate water flow, cool the water with shade, and provide food and habitat for aquatic life.
Children can see that caring for nature is also caring for people, and that even small acts of hope—like planting their own tree—make a real difference in the world, now, and for future generations to come.