At first glance, “The First Forest” appears to be a child’s book. Read, and it still seems a child’s book. Then one begins to think about the message.

“The First Forest” sends a needed message to both children and adults. This book may not be written like Tolstoy’s 700-page “War and Peace,” yet the author has succeeded in a 40-page book in striking a cord in humanity that makes this book a best seller.

“The First Forest” by John Gile explains how greed and selfishness can only hurt a society, while caring can bring joy.

Using a style similar to that of Aesop’s Fables, Gile successfully brings to life a forest of trees that will eventually destroy one another. “The First Forest” illustrates the fact that somewhere within all people an eternal battle exists between good and bad.

As Gile mentions in an author’s note, “Even if one person has a more generous attitude toward others because he or she is reminded of ‘The First Forest,’ then we will have succeeded.”

The “we” in the above quote includes Gile and Tom Heflin, an award-winning artist that illustrated “The First Forest.” His sketches and paintings add more depth to Giles’ story.

Perseverance and Gile walk hand and hand. As a high school student, Gile had no real motivation. After graduation, friends persuaded him to try the Army. It was there that he was taught Russian and became a Russian interpreter.

Gile remarks, “The Army taught me motivation. It was either learn Russian or a foxhole.” Gile chose Russian. He has applied the discipline he received in the Army to many other aspects of his life.

Gile continued his education at Rock Valley College and transferred to NIU in 1971. Before he came to NIU, Gile was a reporter for the Rockford Register Star. He also wrote a syndicated humor column, “Gile without Guile,” which was carried by ten papers in five states.

In December 1971, soon after his transfer to NIU, Gile began his own business—John Gile Communications. The advertising, public relations, printing and publishing service in Rockford is still running strong after 18 years.

Gile believes the education he received at NIU “helped tremendously.” He claims to still use notes from his public relations and marketing classes, and said Journalism Professor Albert Walker influenced him the most.

When planning his market strategy for the “The First Forest,” Gile again drew from his education at NIU. Gile added his experience as a publisher also helped him.

“The First Forest” is not the only book this talented author has written. “Minute Meditations,” an inspirational book written in 1982, was a sellout.

When asked if he would be interested in writing a novel in the future, Gile said he “would leave that for others.” Gile believes today’s society is in a rush. In a shorter book, such as “The First Forest,” Gile says he can get in, get his message across and get out.

Gile is developing another book, with Tom Heflin possibly illustrating his work again. This book will describe the relationships of the animals in “The First Forest.”

John Gile is a man of great dedication and intelligence. Although the text in “The First Forest” may be short, its’ message is perfectly clear. This book speaks to the conscience and reminds people of the common bond between one another. As Gile appropriately said, “We all put our pants on one leg at a time.”

Gile will autograph copies of his book Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Junction Book Room, DeKalb.