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A Very Fun And Weird Detour
Ringo the Ginkgo follows a remarkable leaf, who is also a living fossil from the Jurassic era, as he takes readers on an adventure back to the time of ancient dinosaurs. What was the inspiration for your story?
Being a visual artist, my initial interest in Ginkgo was an aesthetic one. A bright yellow carpet of Ginkgo leaves almost pulsing against the drab, dirty grey pavement caught my eye and made me realize something so obvious it was easy to overlook: These leaves did not look like what most people think of when they think of a leaf. It was almost as if somewhere on the evolutionary road, the Ginkgo took a very fun and weird detour—resulting in its pleasantly oddball appearance. Aesthetic appreciation led to curiosity, and the first very cool fact research revealed was that they were “living fossils.” This fact sparked my imagination, and the story slowly took shape. I thought the idea of this leaf acting as a ‘tour guide’ through the past, teaching and stirring up curiosity, might be a good concept for a picture book.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
- The origin of the species dating back to the Jurassic period.
- The reliance of most life on Earth on the oxygen produced by plants.
- The symbiotic relationship between plants and animals.
- Environmental preservation and awareness.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Again, being a visual artist before anything else, my favorite scene may be a split between the Baboon holding a ‘Moon’ balloon or the scene with the Sun and boat explaining the photosynthetic process and leading the viewer to the closing pages.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
No, I think this was a one-off. It was a labor of love, but at one point, the labor part became quite overwhelming. Factoring in working full-time, life, etc., the book took almost three years to finish.
Author Links: Instagram | Amazon
A wiggling anomaly of a leaf? Check.
A photosynthesis factory? Check. A living breathing key to curiosity? Definite check.
That’s Ringo the Ginkgo.
Throughout the picture book, Ringo the Ginkgo leads the reader on an adventure through the Jurassic period where the reader meets some of Ringo’s amazing dinosaur pals and learns Ginkgo trees are living fossils that have been unchanged for millions of years.The journey continues with a quick brush-up biology course covering the glorious life sustaining process of photosynthesis.
This homage to science, nature, and art is also a gentle, yet necessary, reminder of how much we rely on plants for our oxygen and how important it is to live symbiotically. The closing pages engage the reader with a set of questions and a request to flip Ringo upside down.This results in a visual transformation revealing a ‘curiosity key,’ which opens perception and imaginationwhile encouraging creativity and wonder.
Ringo the Ginkgo
Ringo the Ginkgo is a radiant blend of science, imagination, and art, a picture book that whisks readers, young and old alike, on an extraordinary journey through time. Ringo is no ordinary leaf; it’s a “living fossil,” a witness to the Jurassic era, steadfast through millions of years of change. Readers encounter ancient dinosaurs, stroll through prehistoric landscapes, and uncover the remarkable legacy of the ginkgo tree, one of nature’s most enduring species.
Arshak Martirosyan delivers a masterful balance of education and enchantment. The language sparkles with playfulness, while the illustrations burst with color and life. Complex ideas, such as photosynthesis, unfold with delightful clarity. Scientific truth transforms into poetry here, each page a celebration of the invisible partnership between plants, oxygen, and the world we breathe into being.
What truly distinguishes Ringo the Ginkgo is its inventive design. The book invites readers to participate, not just observe. In the final pages, a simple flip turns the story on its head, revealing a “curiosity key.” This imaginative twist captures the spirit of discovery, urging readers to see the familiar from a brand-new angle.
At its heart, Ringo the Ginkgo is more than a story about a tree; it’s a gentle summons to wonder. It reminds us that science and art belong together, partners in sparking awe and expanding perception. Whether shared in a classroom or curled up at bedtime, this book hums with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude for the living world that sustains us.
Ringo is as memorable as the message it carries. Its shimmering leaves, bright green in summer and golden in fall, breathe life into every page. Born in the age of dinosaurs, the ginkgo stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. Through Martirosyan’s vivid words and joyful art, young readers meet a hero both ancient and alive.
Perhaps most importantly, Ringo the Ginkgo encourages questioning, an open invitation to explore, imagine, and never stop wondering. Its beauty lies not only in its science, but in its soul.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0CVNHJ8FL
LITERARY TITAN 