Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India's Woven Trees

by Sandhya Acharya, Avani Dwivedi (illustrator)

A boy learns how to care for and weave the roots of the living tree bridges in his village in India in this narrative nonfiction picture book perfect for fans of We Are Water Protectors and The Tree Lady.

In the mountains of Meghalaya, India, a living bridge stands tall, connecting the land and its people with the interwoven roots of tall, wide ficus trees. The bridge is called Jingkieng Jri, and it’s alive. A little boy can’t wait to learn to weave the roots together just like the generations before him.

But when he notices litter on the bridge and scars on the roots from people stealing sap, he knows Jinkieng Jri doesn’t just need shaping, it needs love. By rallying his community and even visiting tourists, the boy protects the living bridge and shares his message of care.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, India, Childrens, Stem

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Darcy Pattison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Who knew that you could weave trees together to create a living bridge. When I see people caring the the Earth like this, I'm more hopeful. Colorful and fun, great readaloud book for kids.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books presents the wonder of nature and how it weaves into the daily life in a part of India in a fascinating and inspiring manner.

A little boy can't wait to head to the Jingkieng Jri, a living bridge which has been helping his people over the river for many generations. It's time for him to learn how to weave the new roots into the old and help preserve this wonder. While he carefully follows instructions, he discovers some aspects about the bridge, which aren't as joyful. But maybe he can figure out how to make a difference and help preserve the bridge in another way.

This is a lovely, illustrated book which uses watercolors to bring across each scene clearly. From the raging river to the people of Meghalaya, India, every moment comes across with details and emotions. Not only do these offer a glimpse into the culture and life but center around the amazing, living bridges. The author lets this natural and created wonders glide in, step-by-step, which gives the reader time to understand what makes them special, how they were created and maintained, and how important they are to the people living there. The text is kept relatively short and brings across the information in an interesting way, which keeps boredom at bay. Even reluctant listeners will find it interesting.

While the living bridges are the main theme of these pages, themes such as tourism and litter also come into play. These slide right into the main theme and carry an inspiring solution, which shows that even kids can make a difference.

To round everything off, there are real life photos and explanations at the end of the book. This makes it a nice addition to classrooms or for homeschoolers, too.

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fascinating story, author Sandhya Acharya introduces readers to the Jingkieng Jri, the over-river bridges woven from rubber fig tree roots into live walkways to connect villages in India’s wettest places on earth. Created by hand throughout hundreds of years and passed down from generation to generation, these natural root bridges “paved” with mud, stone, and bark “are also a metaphor for the unity and coexistence of our people and nature,” according to Acharya. The story follows a child and the child’s uncle as they help strengthen the bridge, discuss its history and meaning to their people, help others learn to care for the area, and notice what threatens the bridge as well. Colorful art by illustrator Avani Dwivedi brings the story and region to life, while back matter includes a glossary of words and photos of actual Jingkieng Jri in India along with an author’s note and bibliography.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Living Bridges, Sandhya Acharya invites readers to travel to Meghalaya, India, where generations of the Khasi people have coaxed the roots of ficus trees into living, breathing bridges. Through the eyes of a curious young boy, Acharya captures the wonder of this tradition with rich, sensory detail, which gives the reader the experience of being there.
Acharya’s firsthand research and deep respect for the people and landscape that inspired the book is evident from beginning to end. The book’s extensive back matter, including photographs and factual context, offers readers and educators an even deeper window into the region and the Khasi culture.
Lyrical, immersive, and full of heart, Living Bridges is a standout blend of story and environmentalism—an invitation to see the world not as something to conquer, but something to connect and care for. The illustrations by Avani Dwivedi add to the emotional impact of the story.

[Lizzy Hartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Living Bridges, Sandhya Acharya invites readers to travel to Meghalaya, India, where generations of the Khasi people have coaxed the roots of ficus trees into living, breathing bridges. Through the eyes of a curious young boy, Acharya captures the wonder of this tradition with rich, sensory detail, which gives the reader the experience of being there.
Acharya’s firsthand research and deep respect for the people and landscape that inspired the book is evident from beginning to end. The book’s extensive back matter, including photographs and factual context, offers readers and educators an even deeper window into the region and the Khasi culture.
Lyrical, immersive, and full of heart, Living Bridges is a standout blend of story and environmentalism—an invitation to see the world not as something to conquer, but something to connect and care for. The illustrations by Avani Dwivedi add to the emotional impact of the story.

[Bedashruti Mitra Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

India is a very diverse nation but mainstream children’s literature often ends up pushing the north-eastern states to unintended oblivion. The flora, fauna, traditions, languages, and the way of life in these states are very different from the other parts of India.

Thanks to Sandhya Acharya and Avani Dwivedi, the world now gets to know more about the living bridges of Meghalaya, made by weaving the roots of the rubber fig trees. Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on Earth. The Indigenous people built the “Jingkieng Jri” or the living root bridges to cross the raging rivers.

This newly released picture book is an important addition to the kidlit scene for highlighting traditional wisdom, love for nature and the indigenous way of life. Do not miss the author’s note and the message from the Living Bridge Foundation.

[Carol Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story! Beautiful in what it’s about, beautiful in its lyrical text, beautiful in its message, and beautiful in its illustrations. A boy in a mountain village in India is taught how to help build one of the living bridges, called Jingkeing Jri, that are made of aerial roots from tall rubber ficus trees and that connect his community over rushing rivers. I’d never heard of these bridges, and this is a fascinating story with a sense of community and tradition—people have been building the bridges and keeping them alive for hundreds of years. There is also a subtle message of the value and joy of people working together and everyone doing their part. Back matter includes interesting photos of some of the Jingkeing Jri.

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of the interconnectedness of people and nature. Through a young boy’s perspective, author Sandhya Acharya explains the living bridges of India known as Jingkieng Jri. Made up of woven rubber fig tree roots, these bridges can live for hundreds of years surviving monsoons and flooding rivers. As they boy in the story learns to weave the roots with his uncle, the reader learns how important these bridges are to the wildlife and local culture. Colorful illustrations by Avani Dwivedi emphasize how the people and environment are woven together as tightly as the roots. Back matter provides further context as well as a pronunciation guide and photos of actual living bridges visited by the author.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about Living Bridges! A young narrator learns to weave and care for the beautiful, sustainable, and truly living bridges that connect the people in the mountain communities of Meghalaya, India. Evocative language and vibrant illustrations – with just the right amount of detail – give readers a window into this fascinating piece of forest infrastructure as seen from the point of view of a child. The child is learning about the bridge from his uncle, but in the end, he shares an important lesson with some tourists who’ve come to see the bridge. This book combines community, nature, architecture, and stewardship with stunning results that are sure to please both young readers and the grown-ups who care for them. Highly recommended!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the mountains of India from a small village to the other side of the river, there is a bridge. But it’s not just any bridge. It is not made from concrete or boards. It is a living bridge, made from the living aerial roots of the Indian rubber trees in the area. The author takes her young readers through the building of the bridge as the protagonist follows his father who explains how the aerial roots are trained and woven to each other to form a bridge. I had no idea such an environmentally friendly way to travel existed, and it took a children’s book to show me. I had to look up photographs of these bridges and they are amazing to say the least. The author and illustrators have done a wonderful job of showing what ingenuity can do.

[Heather Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shared through the eyes of a young boy, this inspiring story draws you in immediately as our narrator learns to build and nurture a living bridge. I was fascinated to discover how these remarkable bridges are woven with tree roots and the important role they play, crossing rivers and joining communities. This story highlights how we are all connected to our natural world and each other--future generations and past. It also celebrates stewardship and shows how it can unite a community. Dwivedi’s soft and vibrant illustrations are the perfect complement to the story and Acharya’s lyrical voice. The back matter is rich with information, as well as beautiful photos of living bridges. A lovely and powerful picture book!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a story of the little-known LIVING bridges of India called Jingkeing Jri. These bridges, made of ficus tree roots, are fascinating in and of themselves, but along with their usefulness as a bridge, they are also a heartfelt part of Indian life. As years pass, the Indian people continue weaving and braiding the roots to strengthen and enhance the bridge to carry it through generations. Both the story and the art are beautiful and heart-touching. Young readers will enjoy reading about how these lovely trees “give back,” and will see the value in protecting the nature that exists all around us.

[Ann Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fascinating story of bridges built from the roots of rubber fig trees. In Meghalaya, a region in India, indigenous people have been building these bridges for generations. However, these ‘Jingkieng Jri’ are in danger. Some are full of trash and in other cases, people have cut into the trees to steal the precious sap. Sometimes the critical maintenance of the bridges has been ignored. But this story provides hope for these wonderful bridges and shares how a community comes together to take care of them. With beautiful illustrations, this book shines a spotlight on these amazing living bridges.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees is a gorgeous, lyrically written picture book on a little known subject. I enjoyed learning about the craft and care that is necessary in keeping these special bridges in service. And I loved how the important, wild ficus trees are treated with great respect and that one small boy could make such a difference in their well-being. The beautiful illustrations were created digitally in the bright colors of nature. Along with an author’s note, glossary, pronunciation guide, and bibliography, back matter even includes a note from the founder of the Living Bridge Foundation!

[Srividhya Venkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned something new from this book - I was not aware of the existence of root bridges in India.

With its lyricism and engaging, warm illustrations, LIVING BRIDGES is a kid-friendly book about experiencing, appreciating, and feeling at one with nature. It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our activities may have on nature.

This is an essential book in the light of conversations on the ongoing climate change; a great way for readers to travel to another part of our beautiful, diverse world.

The back matter is a teacher's delight with a note from the founder of Living Bridges Foundation as well as the author, plenty of photos, bibliography, and glossary.

[Korena Howley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a village in India, inhabitants use a bridge to cross a rushing river. But unlike other bridges, this one is alive—made from the roots of ficus trees—and it needs love and care to stay strong. As he weaves in new roots, a young boy notices the many forms of life that the bridge supports and discovers a new appreciation for this spectacular piece of local heritage. Told in vivid language and with inviting illustrations, LIVING BRIDGES shows why this unique accomplishment deserves to be recognized—and protected.

[Jeanne Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story told from the perspective of a child living in the mountains of Meghalaya, India, that describes their "Jingkieng Jri" - their bridge made of roots from the ficus trees growing on either side. The reader is pulled into the story of the weaving and patient creation of this type of bridge over generations and the need to protect them. As author Sandhya Acharya explains in the Author's Note, "The bridges connect villages and ensure the livelihood of the local people. It is a true example of people coming together for a solution that works for all."

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sandhya Acharya shares about fascinating bridges in India called Jingkieng Jri, woven together with the roots of living ficus trees. These bridges allow residents to cross over rivers, even when rivers swell from monsoon rains. In this gentle story, an uncle teaches his nephew how to weave new roots into the bridge. The child recognizes the beauty and importance of the bridges and helps visitors understand and appreciate the bridges, too. This story is so well told, readers will want to read it over and over!

[Megan Clendenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about living bridges in northeastern India called Jingkeing Jri. These bridges are woven from the roots of ficus trees, and so they are living entities that help connect the community – some bridges are hundreds of years old! The story follows an uncle as he teaches his nephew how to weave and care for the Jingkeing Jri. A wonderful way to inspire young readers to care for nature and to appreciate how nature cares for us. The illustrations bring the story to life and I loved seeing the photographs of the real bridges at the back of the book!

[Louise M. Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Come join a young Indian boy as he learns the age-old tradition of weaving tree roots together to create strong, usable bridges. Lyrical descriptions immerse readers in the setting, right down to the blue earthworms squirming through their micro-habitat of elevated, gnarled roots. After enjoying the soft, inviting illustrations, be sure to check out the actual photos of these bridges in the back matter. This multi-layered topic will appeal to many kinds of readers, whether their interests lean towards biology, engineering, culture, or eco-environmentalism.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing story that highlights so many beautiful elements of life such as our connection to nature, our roots, and familial relationships/traditions while juxtaposing the harm humans can do to our surroundings. I learned all about Living Bridges and the Jingkieng Jri and how the Indigenous people of Meghalaya built the Jingkieng Jri as a way to cross the overflowing rivers. The story is a great reminder of honoring our past while also recognizing our power to make a change in the present. Highly recommend this informative and engaging read!

[Julie Winterbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story of a boy and his father who repair and nurture the remarkable bridges woven of trees that connect people to nature and to those bridge keepers who came before them, while also providing a way to travel through the mountains. Beautifully illustrated, this book will shows how caring for the environment can bring people together. With excellent back matter and photos of the actualy bridges woven from trees. Kids will be fascinated by these unique structures and the art of caring for them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that are diverse for kids and that will rouse their curiosity and sense of wonder. This was the perfect book. I loved seeing the illustrations and story of a little boy in India. His village is near a living bridge called “Jingkieng Jri”. I learned how the villagers weave the new roots into the existing weave so that it is continually strengthened. I think little people in my life will love to see this and learn how these villagers clean, clear, build, and weave the bridges all the time!

[Sabrina Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning about the Jingkieng Jri, and the Living Bridge Foundation - what an aspiring true story of these trees and how astonishing that nature and humans can live together in harmony, helping each other without ruining each other. A great message about community, conversation and passing down traditions for the betterment of the earth
I loved the illustrations and also Sandhya's lovely lyrical story telling. A perfect picture book for schools, libraries and learning about nature at home

[Ashlee Hashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Bridges is a beautifully told story of the connection between society and nature, and the privilege and responsibility we all have to care for our world. The author uses vivid language to transport the reader right into the forest and invites us to experience the living bridge together. Inspiring text combines with colorful illustrations to make this a perfect read-aloud that I wish I would have had when I was younger!

[Allison Rozo · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVING BRIDGES is personal and loving tribute to the sacred trees that have been woven together to create living bridges in India for centuries. You feel as though you are transported to India, learning the craft of weaving the roots and hearing the rush of the river below. The story bridges the past, to the present, and the future of these beloved trees and tradition that serve as a home to birds and insects and an essential throughfare during India’s monsoon season. 

[Katie Furze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book teaches children about the bridges crafted from living ficus trees found in Meghalaya, India. The story is narrated by a child in lovely lyrical prose and accompanied by appealing illustrations with lots of small details that children will love, such as birds and insects. It’s fascinating and delightful. Two spreads of helpful back matter includes photographs and further information about these incredible living bridges.

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, moving, and eye-opening book about an awe-inspiring tradition in northeastern India that is rooted in nature and community. I loved learning how these bridges are made. The book includes impacts to these bridges today and specific ways people can care for them and ensure they last--and live--for many more generations. I also enjoyed and appreciated the additional information and photos in the back matter.

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! This is one of my favorite picture books of the year so far! Lyrical text and vibrant illustrations tell the story of Jingkieng Jri, or living root bridges, an Indigenous technology found in the state of Meghalaya, India. I was swept away by this story and moved by its positive message of stewardship and collaboration. Looking for a way to show children how people can live in harmony with the planet? Add this book to your collection.

[LJ Todaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sweet story about the Jingkieng Jri bridges of India, a young boy and his uncle participate in a longstanding tradition: they wave tree roots into a living bridge. It’s a story about caring for the environment, intergenerational relationships, building community, and making functional, beautiful art. Fascinating details about the process, plus cheery illustrations and great back matter make this book just right for curious readers who love the natural world.