In The River That Ran Backwards and Sideways, four adventurous children-Sylvie, Tarek, Lysander, and Maiwen-discover that their village's river has mysteriously changed its flow, defying all natural laws. Armed with curiosity, maps, science, and a deep respect for nature, they embark on a journey to solve the mystery. Along the way, they uncover ancient symbols, forgotten wisdom, and learn that the balance of nature is fragile yet powerful. Their quest to restore the river leads to profound lessons about teamwork, respect for the environment, and the importance of looking at problems from every angle.