I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree

by Jean E. Pendziwol, Nathalie Dion (Illustrator)

Jean E. Pendziwol’s newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope. The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes ― sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring. Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Fiction, Nature, Art, Canada

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

Jean E. Pendziwol is an award winning Canadian author of books for adults and children. Her children’s books include Governor General Literary Award and TD Canadian Children's Literature Award winner Skating Wild on an Inland Sea (Groundwood Books, ill. Todd Stewart), and the bestselling No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) (Kids Can Press), which continues to be used as a valuable resource for teaching fire safety. Her debut adult novel, The Lightkeeper’s Daughters was published by HarperCollins and is available in 20 other countries and 16 languages around the world. She lives in the shadow of the Nor’Wester Mountains near Lake Superior and draws inspiration for her stories from the rich history, culture and geography of northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Jean's adult work is represented by Jenny Bent of The Bent Agency and her children's work by Olga Filina of 5 Otter Literary.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that was pretentious.

I can't see kids getting much out of the narrative here. This might work in a high school or university setting, where literature snobs can gleefully pick apart the nuances and meaning of the text. But for kids?

I found hope
in a cherry tree
that places tiny buds
on shivering,
leaf-bare branches in autumn,
knowing that
shadows
can disappear,
and stories
can howl like wolves,
and snowflakes
can be icy and sharp,
and there is no way
for the tree to be sure
that the buds will
ever bloom.

The illustrations are nice. But I can't see most kids sitting still for this. There's no story to speak of. It's just a kid spouting pretentious free-verse poetry steeped in metaphor.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful, calming illustrations but the concept of the book doesn't hold very well and I don't think children will be particularly impressed. I'm a bit unsure what the whole idea is, to be honest, other than showing that we all have low moments and that nature helps to deal with them.

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated book.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice try. I love the title. And the pages about playing with one's shadow... there are children who have nothing else, or who are too stressed to play with anything else (foster children, children whose parents are struggling as caregivers or are laid off, ill children...), this might help them if their teacher shares the book with the (kindergarten?) class. If the book had a tighter focus instead of a meandering from concept to concept it would have worked better.

Meanwhile:

Dust of Snow
BY ROBERT FROST

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

[Rebecca Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text is lovely and poetic, but it goes from concept to concept without any real transitions and doesn't seem to fit together until the very end when the author explains the point.

[Rachel Greening · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story-poem about a girl’s observations on the natural world around her. It is thought provoking and whimsical. Pendziwol’s lyrical text is matched wonderfully with Dion’s delicate and textured illustrations. It inherently shows how the world around us has many more layers than what meets our eyes.
I find other's responses to this interesting. A story doesn't need to be completely understandable to have an effect on a child. The combination of the illustrations with text create a beautiful, calming affect that a child will feel regardless of comprehension. Let's not forget that poetic language is firstly emotional. Such poetic concepts can also challenge the reader to see their world differently, seeing an icicle as a tooth for instance could spark so much imagination. I would have adored this book as a child because poetry has always made so much sense to me.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poetic examination of the changing of seasons with some fantasy elements.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 5 stars for the art and 3 1/2 for text. While i found it to be a lovely poem, it felt like it was written for adults more than children. But the art is wonderful!

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, beautiful, and just the promise of hope in the spring that we all especially need this winter.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tranquil and beautiful illustrations and lyrical text offer hope and calm, something badly needed in this time.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lyrical text with great sensory details and lovely illustrations by Nathalie Dion.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl celebrates the nature around her. Good for primary students learning about the seasons.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a beautiful book and very calming with a child's sensory experiences. A different title may have pleased adult readers more.

[Dactylaura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 🌟 un album poétique avec de jolies illustrations, c'est doux

[Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3) Je trouve ça peut-être un peu compliqué à comprendre pour des enfants. Sinon, c'était mignon mais encore une fois j'ai eu du mal à réellement accrocher.

[Nadin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful but maybe too deep and dark for picture book age.

[Susan Marrier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful illustrations. Not sure how young children would respond to the story.

[Marah Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This lyrical story asks the reader to reflect on nature and find hope in the beauty of every day life. This book was not particularly moving to me but I still think its words and illustrations are beautiful, and it could be inspiring to some students, so it is still worth potentially adding to my classroom library.

[Sarah Thang · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐