Language books
This program creates children's books and education projects with Indigenous collaborators. The goal is not a textbook. It is a story a child can enjoy, share, and use to keep words from their own community close.
Shipibo children's book
The first book is finished in English and Spanish, with Shipibo language woven into the story and learning sections. It cost real money to make, and the digital release should help fund the next book without blocking families, teachers, or community members who need access.
The planned release model is pay-what-you-can: suggested $5, $0 allowed when access matters, and a donation prompt for the next children's language book.
The first book is a simple children's story about Shipibo culture, translated in English, Spanish, and Shipibo.
The book includes beginner Shipibo words and phrases such as hello, my name is, and numbers.
The online book is being prepared as pay-what-you-can, with a suggested $5 donation toward the next children's language book. Readers can enter $0 when access matters.
A richer version can add clickable words, pronunciation audio, sound, and simple interactions so children can hear the language as they read.
Many children are growing up speaking Spanish or another dominant language. These books are meant to make language feel alive, usable, and worth carrying forward.
Jose Saenz has been a critical Amazon partner, helping connect us to Shipibo collaborators, translation support, and funding paths for the children's book project.
Beyond Escuela Uno, our education support extends to Peru and other field relationships, including work connected to Soğmatar in Turkey.
Now in development
A 43-lesson Shipibo-Konibo course, recorded with named speakers along the Ucayali, with a growing dictionary and a named share of every sale returning to the community.
Amazon partner
Jose does not work for The Community Garden, but he has been a critical partner in the Amazon. He has helped us build relationships with Shipibo collaborators and supported the translation and funding of the Shipibo children's book project.
He continues to help through contacts for research into ethnobotany, Shipibo spiritual cosmogony, art, and language.