Jean Giono (1895-1970), the only son of a cobbler and a laundress, was one of France's greatest writers. He was a pacifist, and he was imprisoned in France for his beliefs during the Second World War. He wrote over thirty novels, scores of short stories, plays, poetry, essays, and filmscripts. Giono won the Prix de Monaco (for the most outstanding collected work by a French writer) among other awards.

Michael McCurdy is one of America's finest wood engravers. He has illustrated nearly 200 books for trade publications and special fine-press editions. His prints and drawings are also shown in galleries throughout the country. McCurdy lives in Springfield, Mass.

Wangari Maathai was awarded the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in restoring the environment and promoting economic well-being by planting of millions of trees in East Africa through her Green Belt Movement.

Norma L. Goodrich is Professor Emeritus of French and Comparative Literature at the Claremont Colleges and author of Giono: Master of Fictional Modes.

Andy Lipkis is the founder and president of TreePeople.