THE destruction of rainforests has inspired a retired teacher to write a compelling new book that aims to educate children about conservation.

Jane Griffiths from Newquay has published The Rimba, which follows the journey of a wise orangutan, the soulful guardian of the rainforest, who rises to protect her home and the creatures that depend on it.

Jane first became aware of the destructive force of palm oil production in 2018 during a visit to Borneo. She learned that avoiding palm oil altogether was not the best solution; choosing sustainable palm oil was a much better option.

The Rimba aims to support classrooms in teaching compassion, conservation and global citizenship. Inspired by the environmental spirit of The Lorax, the book helps children explore themes of kindness, cooperation, and the impact of their choices on the natural world.

The Rimba’s stirring voice invites readers to empathies with the rainforest and reflect on their role in safeguarding Earth’s most fragile ecosystems.

Jane said: “Seeing the destruction firsthand led me to examine my buying habits. However, I knew this wouldn’t be enough to make a real impact so, after much research, I gave talks at local schools, met with managers at Newquay Zoo, and helped Newquay to become a sustainable palm oil town. It became a passion and led to the creation of ‘The Rimba’.”

The retired English teacher’s efforts blending lyrical poetry with narrative storytelling have drawn acclaim from several high-profile voices, including wildlife TV presenter Michaela Strachan and the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.

Michaela Stachan said: “The Rimba is a beautifully written book, evocative, poignant and heart breaking but has a powerful message of hope about sustainable palm oil growing. “I hope, with all my heart, that the message in this poem, about palm oil becoming deforestation free, becomes a reality.”

Michelle Desilets, a conservationist who founded the Orangutan Land Trust and formerly led Borneo Orangutan Survival UK, added: “The Rimba is a must have for every home with children and every school library.

“It magically weaves a poetic story and richly atmospheric illustrations with a thought-provoking lesson on your shared responsibility to protect the planet and the species that call it home. The message that The Rimba imparts captures my own feelings as an orangutan conservationist.”

The Rimba is entirely not-for-profit with proceeds going to Orangutan charities including Cornwall based, OVAID.

The book has been illustrated by orangutan scientist and digital illustrator Emma Lokuciejewski.

The Rimba comes with a free education pack including a complete lesson plan, printable classroom activities, discussion prompts and cross-curricular links to literacy, science, and social studies.

Jane said: “These resources make it effortless for teachers to integrate the book into existing units while fostering critical thinking and environmental awareness. Schools and families purchasing the book directly contribute to real-world preservation and help amplify the work of local authors and illustrators. “

The Rimba is available now online at Amazon, and other major online book shops like Waterstones and Foyles.