The Man Who Planted Trees

By Jean Giono

The story The Man Who Planted Trees is about Jean Giono's encounters with an unforgettable man who does an unforgettable thing. The first time I heard this story was while passing through the TV channels on a rainy Seattle Saturday afternoon, I noticed an animation on PBS. It seemed interesting so I stopped to watch for a while. I was impressed with the soft animation style and was entranced by the narrators telling of the story; soon I was listening quit intently.

Then PBS went to commercial. Coming out of the break, I heard the distinct voice of James Earl Jones, yes... James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, he was re-introducing the story... how awesome I thought.

Then the animation fades in and the narrator continues the story of Ekzéard Buffier. It is a glorious story of how one man single handled plants and nurtures an entire forest in the barren mountain sides of Province. But it was much more than just the forest, as the trees grew they brought the mountain grasses, then grasses brought the streams, and all of this beauty brought the people. One man... one "old and unlearned peasant... was able to complete a work worthy of God."

I own multiple copies of the book and a couple years ago after searching for many years found a source online that was selling the video. The following is copyrighted material, I take no credit for the story and have no affiliation with the original copyright owners. I only take credit for the design and layout of the following pages. I have put the story here for my pleasure only. If you happen to read the story here, please go out and buy the book from a legitimate source. [Copyright and Other Important Information]