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The Tree of Hope: The Miraculous Rescue of Puerto Rico’s Beloved Banyan
The true story of a beloved banyan tree and a community that fought to save it in the wake of Hurricane Maria. On the tropical island of Puerto Rico, there was an ancient banyan tree. His enormous twisted trunk rose up beside the San Juan Gate. Long roots hung from his wide-spreading branches and his emerald, leafy crown greeted all who passed by. This beloved tree stood on the shore of the island for over a hundred years--until the fateful time when the biggest hurricane in Puerto Rico's history slammed into the island, devastating communities and uprooting that very tree. This lushly illustrated and evocatively written picture book tells the story of the majestic jagüey blanco , one of the most beloved trees in the city of Old San Juan. Puerto Rican author Anna Orenstein-Cardona weaves an epic tale based on the true story of this bearded watchdog of the island, how the tree was impacted by Hurricane Maria, and how a group of people rallied together to save it. With gorgeous illustrations by Juan Manuel Moreno, this picture book serves as an account of the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria and the strength of the people who continue to rebuild to this day.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 20, 2022
This book is based on the true story of the Banyan tree from San Juan that fell during Hurricane Maria and how it was saved. Told from the point of view of the tree, it has themes of hope, resilience, heritage and interconnection with nature. It is a joy to read heartfelt stories from creators with lived experience as the love for the island, its legacy and community is palpable. This beautiful book will be a great addition to classrooms discussing recent events in history and home libraries.
June 20, 2022
It is not every day that one reads a picture book that makes one's eyes well up with tears. This book did that, in the best way possible. As a Honduran who knows all too well the devastating impact that hurricanes can leave behind, this story resonated with me on so many levels. But the most wonderful aspect of it was exactly what the title implies: its message of HOPE. As we've all seen in the last few years, humans are at their best when we come together in support of each other, in community, in peace. This story reminds us that when we choose to do good, and to do it together, anything is possible. What a beautiful, and incredibly true, story of resilience, unity, and esperanza! Highly recommend to all readers!
August 3, 2022
This book is about a very sad moment in Puerto Rico. Families lost so much when Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017. And then... their symbol - this huge banyan tree got destroyed. I love how the community got together to revive this tree. This lyrical text is at the same time engaging and heartfelt. And the illustrations are filled with beautiful details and strong images. This book, based on a true event, is a must to show readers this fabuloso country and powerful gente. I love it.
August 29, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Tree of Hope: The Miraculous Rescue of Puerto Rico’s Beloved Banyan, written by Anna Orenstein-Cardona and illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno, a beautiful tale of community and overcoming adversity.
For over 100 years, the massive jagüey blanco (banyan tree) has stood guard over Puerto Rico’s San Juan Gate like a stately king of ancient forests, with twisting, trailing roots and a great crown of verdant green leaves. Locals and tourists alike meet and mingle beneath its shady and sheltering boughs, and it is as much a part of the island as the people who inhabit it. One day, the tree wakes to a gathering storm, and while watching the locals prepare for the hurricane’s arrival, the tree feels confident that it will weather this storm, as it has done so many times before. But Hurricane Maria is different and it leaves a wake of destruction in its path, including knocking over the jagüey blanco and sending its crown of leaves into the ocean. Drifting between this world and the next, the tree begins to accept its fate… but the people of Puerto Rico, in the midst of their own tragedy, refuse to let the great banyan of Old San Juan become another victim of the storm.
Moving and inspiring. Based on a true story, Orenstein-Cardona weaves a tale of strength and kindness in the face of extreme hardship. By telling the story from the tree’s point of view, the audience is allowed the empathize directly with the tree, yet this doesn’t detract from the heartwarming and impactful true elements of the story, namely the strength of community and cooperation during the hurricane recovery efforts. Manuel Moreno’s illustrations are rich and atmospheric, and reflect the diverse skintones of the people of Puerto Rico. The length is good for a storytime, and JJ enjoyed following the rise of this magnificent tree. Overall, a beautiful story about community coming together after disaster, and we recommend it – Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
January 26, 2023
I was gifted a copy of The Tree of Hope from beaming books press. Below you will find me honest review of this text.
Hurricane Maria was a deadly storm noted as the worst natural disaster to impact the Caribbean. The picture book Tree of Hope by Anna Orenstein-Cardona introduces the large banyan tree aka jagüey blanco as a focal point within the Caribbean city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The text presents a narrative that frames the historical and symbolic significance of the tree for the people of Puerto Rico before and after hurricane Maria. While the devastation of the storm was wide and long lasting, the tree was able to survive and to facilitate the community uniting and working together.
There are many strengths within the text. First, there was a creative use of language to add reader meaning made from the text. A specific example of this was the sea roaring and its description of the destruction and chaos that occurred. An additional example was the appropriately infused vocabulary such as ¡Ay, bendito!” to add contextual language to the words on the pages. Second, the text used personification to bring life and importance of the tree to the city. Starting at the beginning of the text with its description of “roots that was like a beard, a crown of leaves, and the tree talking.” Then after the hurricane hit, it gave life with a sudden stillness that fell, and then he drifted between worlds.
The illustrator did an amazing job with portraying meaning outside of the words on the pages. The first example is the representation of the individuals. The people including hair and skin tones are represented with detail and uniqueness. Second, the illustrations contain rich and detailed colorful images. Details such as the hurricanes impact of water and the wave, the flooding, the overturned car and broken poles, and faces showing various emotions (shock, upset, and happy). Last, the illustrator was able to add the Puerto Rican flag on a boat that appeared as the tree was realizing a hurricane was approaching.
The author is a native with authentic connections to the island of Puerto Rico. She created a powerful text with many uses within the classroom. These uses include discussions on natural disasters, language variations, figurative language, and things that bring people together. Additionally, the text includes supplemental information to simplify its use. Within the back of the text is a supplemental section to provide background knowledge to help students with understanding the context of the text. On the publishers website individuals can find an educators guide to help facilitate learning for students.
Hurricane Maria was a deadly storm noted as the worst natural disaster to impact the Caribbean. The picture book Tree of Hope by Anna Orenstein-Cardona introduces the large banyan tree aka jagüey blanco as a focal point within the Caribbean city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The text presents a narrative that frames the historical and symbolic significance of the tree for the people of Puerto Rico before and after hurricane Maria. While the devastation of the storm was wide and long lasting, the tree was able to survive and to facilitate the community uniting and working together.
There are many strengths within the text. First, there was a creative use of language to add reader meaning made from the text. A specific example of this was the sea roaring and its description of the destruction and chaos that occurred. An additional example was the appropriately infused vocabulary such as ¡Ay, bendito!” to add contextual language to the words on the pages. Second, the text used personification to bring life and importance of the tree to the city. Starting at the beginning of the text with its description of “roots that was like a beard, a crown of leaves, and the tree talking.” Then after the hurricane hit, it gave life with a sudden stillness that fell, and then he drifted between worlds.
The illustrator did an amazing job with portraying meaning outside of the words on the pages. The first example is the representation of the individuals. The people including hair and skin tones are represented with detail and uniqueness. Second, the illustrations contain rich and detailed colorful images. Details such as the hurricanes impact of water and the wave, the flooding, the overturned car and broken poles, and faces showing various emotions (shock, upset, and happy). Last, the illustrator was able to add the Puerto Rican flag on a boat that appeared as the tree was realizing a hurricane was approaching.
The author is a native with authentic connections to the island of Puerto Rico. She created a powerful text with many uses within the classroom. These uses include discussions on natural disasters, language variations, figurative language, and things that bring people together. Additionally, the text includes supplemental information to simplify its use. Within the back of the text is a supplemental section to provide background knowledge to help students with understanding the context of the text. On the publishers website individuals can find an educators guide to help facilitate learning for students.
May 18, 2026
My very first impression of this book is that the illustrations are lovely! The author starts by establishing that the tree is giant and compares the hanging roots to beards and says the tree has a crown of leaves. I love how the illustrator indicated the passing of time on the next page. Orenstein-Cardona calls the tree generous and gives examples of how the tree is enjoyed by many, such as mothers singing lullabies to their babies under the branches. Then, the author describes that a hurricane is headed for the island. "One day the tree awoke to find ..." writes Orenstein-Cardona, but the tree says he is ready and digs "his roots deeper into the rich Caribbean soil." I can't think of many children's books that describe natural disasters; I appreciate that this one helps readers envision the hurricane. After the storm, the tree's roots are "pointing toward the sky in surrender" and "he drifted between this world in the next." But the people right the tree and bring fresh water and hold vigils and pray and sing and dance. The tree is "deeply touched" by their love and wills himself to live. "All around the island, people deepened the roots within their communities and extended their branches generously to help those in need" writes the author. At the end of the book their is a "Behind the Story" section and the last line reads, "Much like the giant tree described in the story, Puerto Ricans continue to bravely rebuild their lives with strength, courage, hope, and determination to this very day." I love this sentiment and would have liked it to be written this directly in the actual story. I could see including this story in my lesson plan if talking about Puerto Rico or natural disasters, but I don't think I will be buying a copy right now.
June 27, 2022
I really liked reading the ARC of The Tree of Hope. I'm so glad I had this opportunity. I love that it's a book based on true events. To be honest, I hadn't heard about this tree before, so I was happy to learn something new at the same time I enjoyed a nice story and illustrations.
I consider that the author does a great job in making the reader connect with the events in the story in a very engaging and touching way. I can completely understand what it meant for the community to see it fall during the hurricane. There are scenes that are really moving.
The way the story is told is clear, with easily understandable words and a nice rhythm. In addition to this, the illustrations are beautiful and work perfectly with the text. I loved them. I also liked reading the author's note and the "Behind the story" section.
Stories like this about overcoming adversity, never giving up, resilience, and helping others rise above the challenges are truly inspiring and a valuable gift for young readers.
I think we need more books like this one for our children, with themes that highlight love, hope and communities coming together for a common good, so that we can have a better chance at a brighter future for humanity.
I consider that the author does a great job in making the reader connect with the events in the story in a very engaging and touching way. I can completely understand what it meant for the community to see it fall during the hurricane. There are scenes that are really moving.
The way the story is told is clear, with easily understandable words and a nice rhythm. In addition to this, the illustrations are beautiful and work perfectly with the text. I loved them. I also liked reading the author's note and the "Behind the story" section.
Stories like this about overcoming adversity, never giving up, resilience, and helping others rise above the challenges are truly inspiring and a valuable gift for young readers.
I think we need more books like this one for our children, with themes that highlight love, hope and communities coming together for a common good, so that we can have a better chance at a brighter future for humanity.
December 11, 2022
This is the uplifting story of how the Puerto Ricans were able to save a beautiful, old tree after 2017's Hurricane Maria knocked it down.
Too often, we view all people's interactions with the environment as 100% negative. We hear of all the ways we are hurting Mother Earth--and there are so many ways we are destroying our home that we fall into this belief that the best thing we can do for nature is to leave it alone. We forget that people can also have positive interactions. (This is one of the things that I learned from "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Kimmerer, one of my new favorite books.)
This is a great book to remind readers of all ages that we can do things to help nature, that we should encourage compassion for living things, give thanks to the world around us, have gratitude for trees for the shade they give us and the air we breathe, and that when people work together, we can make a difference! And that difference goes beyond our simple act. Sometimes our acts, such as saving a tree, can warm the hearts and inspire people all over the world!
Beautiful!
Too often, we view all people's interactions with the environment as 100% negative. We hear of all the ways we are hurting Mother Earth--and there are so many ways we are destroying our home that we fall into this belief that the best thing we can do for nature is to leave it alone. We forget that people can also have positive interactions. (This is one of the things that I learned from "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Kimmerer, one of my new favorite books.)
This is a great book to remind readers of all ages that we can do things to help nature, that we should encourage compassion for living things, give thanks to the world around us, have gratitude for trees for the shade they give us and the air we breathe, and that when people work together, we can make a difference! And that difference goes beyond our simple act. Sometimes our acts, such as saving a tree, can warm the hearts and inspire people all over the world!
Beautiful!
October 30, 2022
An inspirational story about the ancient Banyan tree that "wore a crown of emerald-green leaves" until a hurricane hit the beautiful Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. This story is beautifully written. Anna is a true storyteller weaving metaphor and imagery into a tale as vibrant as the community it is about. To say I LOVE this story's message of hope and community would be an understatement. It beautifully gives us a glimpse into life after a hurricane and the resistance of the Puerto Rican people that continue to rebuild their island with love, perseverance, and optimism beyond the imagination. This is a must-have book. It is perfect for tree lovers and those who appreciate nature. The book is perfect for those with an appreciation for Puerto Rico, its culture, and its people. This is the book you need to read if you want to feel inspired and shown what true community looks like.
June 27, 2023
In The Tree of Hope we meet a beloved, majestic banyan tree that stood strong and tall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for over a hundred years. Although it had weathered many changes and many storms, it proved to be no match for the mighty hurricane María in 2017 and fell. Through lovely lyrical prose and gorgeous illustrations, this inspirational story continues to show how neighbors near and far joined forces to repair and revive the tree. Inspired by a true event, it is at once a beautiful ode to this cherished landmark, as it is to the resolute spirit of the people of Puerto Rico who with love, hope, and perseverance weathered the storm and have continued rebuilding the island. Kids and adults alike will love learning more about the story “Behind The Story” at end of the book, as well as the heartwarming Author’s Note.
October 4, 2022
Anna Orenstein's debut picture book beautifully conveys her adoration for Puerto Rico. The reader is transported there through Juan Manuel Moreno's colourful illustrations and shares the narrator's grief as Hurricane Maria wrecks the beloved banyan tree. The language is rich and emotive. I enjoyed how the story was voiced from the the banyan tree's perspective, which makes the reader feel closer to the island, to nature and to the tree. We are being invited to share in Puerto Rico's history and be part of its future.
The books timely release sadly coincides with another hurricane - Fiona - which adds a poignancy to the messages of hope, preservation and teamwork within the story. It's a wonderful text that I would recommend belongs on every classroom's bookshelf.
The books timely release sadly coincides with another hurricane - Fiona - which adds a poignancy to the messages of hope, preservation and teamwork within the story. It's a wonderful text that I would recommend belongs on every classroom's bookshelf.
October 4, 2024
Born and raised in Puerto Rico and having experience the devastation that a hurricane can leave behind, I couldn’t help but feel emotional for so much loss yet a sense of pride reading The Tree of Hope. What a lovely tribute to a most beloved landmark in my little island! What an affirmation of resilience and hope! Anna Orenstein-Cardona beautifully captured the importance of the Banyan tree to its people and the impact the people have in the beloved tree. Illustrations by Juan Manuel Moreno are lovely. Thank you, Anna for writing this story and teaching children all over the world about the jagüey blanco’s spirit to its people. The spirit of my people, mi gente! ¡Gracias!
A must add to local, schools and home libraries and bookstores, everywhere!
A must add to local, schools and home libraries and bookstores, everywhere!
July 21, 2022
Anna Orenstein-Cardona says in her author’s note that The Tree of Hope is a love letter to her treasured tree and to her people, and indeed it is. In fact, it is a song. Orenstein’s beautiful lyrical language brings the tree and the people of her beloved country to life. It relates the trials of her people and the iconic banyan tree during hurricane Maria and it shows that amid all that destruction, the tree and what the people of Puerto Rico did to save it are indeed a symbol of hope. Juan Manuel Moreno’s illustrations are a beautiful and loving portrayal of Puerto Rico. What a beautiful book.
Thanks to Anna Orenstein-Cardonna for sharing an arc of her book.
Thanks to Anna Orenstein-Cardonna for sharing an arc of her book.
August 6, 2023
When Puerto Rico was hit by a catastrophic hurricane in 2017, the beloved Banyan Tree at the port gates was knocked down. Learn in this beautiful children's picture book about how the tree became the heart and hope of Puerto Rico and how the community, despite huge losses all around, rallied for this tree.
Wow! This story is powerful, the illustrations are lovely, and the hope I feel without any connection to Puerto Rico in my family is amazing. I will be adding this to my Green Team collection as it feels like a story of the power of community and caring and fits well into the goals for that school committee.
Wow! This story is powerful, the illustrations are lovely, and the hope I feel without any connection to Puerto Rico in my family is amazing. I will be adding this to my Green Team collection as it feels like a story of the power of community and caring and fits well into the goals for that school committee.
June 29, 2024
Anna Orenstein-Cardona and Juan Manuel Moreno's The Tree of Hope: The Miraculous Rescue of Puerto Rico’s Beloved Banyan is a beautiful, hopeful story about community and resiliency in the face of a devastating hurricane. As a South Floridian who is all too familiar with the devastating effects of a hurricane, this picture book resonated with me. Told through the perspective of the jagüey blanco, the majestic banyan tree at the San Juan Gate, the story gives a glimpse into the events during Hurricane Maria in 2017 and its impact on the island. It contains some Spanish and an afterword, which sheds more light on these events. Told in an accessible narrative with lovely illustrations, The Tree of Hope is a wonderful addition to any library!
November 21, 2022
This book about the life, fall, and rescue of a beloved Banyan tree after a devastating hurricane in San Juan, Puerto Rico is a MUST for every home and school library. The richly detailed and touching text reads like a fairytale, pulling readers into the story through lyrical and heartwarming prose. At once colorful, warm, and realistic, the illustrations do a beautiful job of making you want to jump into the story. The back matter and Author's Note are equally moving and well-written. Ten stars for The Tree of Hope!
June 21, 2024
A beautiful picture book about a true event: the banyan tree on the island of Puerto Rico that almost succumbed during a hurricane. I felt truly touched reading about all the people who came together to help save the tree, including sharing their precious stored fresh water with the tree. A tender story with a great lesson that together we can accomplish miracles! Beautiful, evocative illustrations as well. A wonderful gift for a new baby as the cadence of the writing is very soothing, and as stated before, the lesson is heartwarming and important.
June 27, 2022
The Tree of Hope is a beautiful story of how a community comes together after facing a tragedy. Amidst the loss of all their possessions, the residents of Puerto Rico demonstrate unconditional love in their effort to save a tree uprooted by a hurricane. Two hands become four, then eight, and so on, giving the tree hope of life. The Tree of Hope - a story of love, unity and resilience - clearly demonstrates that we are better together. I highly recommended it to all readers.
August 26, 2022
There’s so much to love about THE TREE OF HOPE. The author does such a beautiful job weaving themes of adversity, culture, resilience, and hope! Through her brilliant words you FEEL every bit… the Banyan tree’s determination and grit, the community’s love and admiration for the tree, the hope of a community that comes together after tragedy. I can’t express how special this story is! Please, please read it and find out for yourself just how exceptional it is!
August 6, 2023
Beautifully written book about people rallying to save the ages old Banyan tree that stood by the San Juan Gate. When Hurricane Maria came through in 2017, the tree was knocked over after standing for so long. People rallied to save it and replant the roots. The book ends a few years later as the tree did take root and begin to grow again. The illustrations are brightly colored and full of details. I appreciate the sense of history and determination that shines through.
July 1, 2024
The Tree of Hope is a beautiful story that will inspire, encourage, and uplift readers everywhere as they read about a magnificent banyan tree and the more magnificent community that came together to restore it after a devastating hurricane. It's also an excellent resource for teaching children about hurricanes and the impacts of climate change—an important addition to bookshelves in homes and libraries everywhere.
September 13, 2025
This lyrically written, gorgeously illustrated picture book tells the story of an ancient Banyan tree; the joy it brought to the people, the destructive power of a hurricane, and a passionate and caring community who helped the old tree. This book is hopeful and empowering and sure to make you smile! This is a great story to use in the classroom for social emotional learning, social studies and geography.
December 2, 2022
Great illustrations and a strong narrative make this a good picture book for sharing. We learn to love and appreciate the Banyan tree and then worry as Hurricane Maria lays it out, and then cheer along with the people as they work to save it.
It's reads as more historical fiction than nonfiction to me -- we get the feelings of the tree. And why is it a "he?" Is that tradition in San Juan?
It's reads as more historical fiction than nonfiction to me -- we get the feelings of the tree. And why is it a "he?" Is that tradition in San Juan?
June 24, 2024
A deeply touching story about hope, love, and resilience found amongst the destruction brought on my Hurricane Maria. This beautiful story follows a great banyan tree who was brought down by the storm, but not destroyed. Like the people of Puerto Rico, the tree found it roots again and planted them more solidly than ever before. Your heartstrings will be pulled in this moving story from life.
June 25, 2024
This book is awe-inspiring. It's an incredible true story about a banyan tree that lives outside the San Juan gates in Puerto Rico and the community that rescued it from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Mainly this is a story of hope, and how "people deepened the roots within their communities and extended their branches generously to help those in need." A must-have in schools and libraries.
Mainly this is a story of hope, and how "people deepened the roots within their communities and extended their branches generously to help those in need." A must-have in schools and libraries.
October 14, 2022
I'm a big fan of resilience stories and this one about a tree in Puerto Rico is just beautiful. It reminded me a lot of This Very Tree. I will use this for a lesson later in the school year (maybe Arbor Day?).
Story: 5
Illustrations: 5
Read-aloud: 4
Story: 5
Illustrations: 5
Read-aloud: 4
January 16, 2023
The story of how the ancient banyan that stood at the historic San Juan Gate for more than a century was rescued from Hurricane Maria’s devastation. A testament to community and the reliance of the people of Puerto Rico.
October 21, 2023
A beautiful book full of heart as well as hope, demonstrating how the power of nature combined with community spirit can enable us to rise above adversity and find light even in the darkest of times.
April 20, 2024
A beautiful story of a banyan tree that stood strong for hundreds of years. Based on true events, the tree brought the Puerto Rican community together after the hurricane to repair and restore the tree. A heart warming story filled with hope for all.
February 16, 2025
Based on a true story of a beloved Banyan Tree in PR following the devastation from Hurricane Maria in 2017. A beautiful tribute to the soul and resilience of a singular symbol of hope, and more importantly, of its people. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews