Naomi's Tree [Hardcover]

Joy Kogawa (Author), Ruth Ohi (Illustrator)

Book Description

On the Guelph Mercury's 10 best Children's Books of 2008 list

Golden Oak nominee, 2009

On Resource Link's "Best of 2008" List

CLA Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award shortlist, 2009

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009

A young couple leaves Japan for the coast of Canada, bringing a cherry seed to plant in their new garden. During the years that follow, the little cherry tree watches over the family as the couple have children, and then grandchildren. Young Naomi makes the cherry tree her special friend, and the tree's branches shelter her as she plays. But one day, war breaks out between the two countries, and the family is sent to an internment camp away from the coast. And though Naomi often dreams of going home, the dream fades as the years go by. The little tree is left behind to mourn its loss.

For many years the cherry tree sends out a song of love and peace that reaches Naomi only in her dreams. But the insects and small animals hear the song, and on the wind they send back their own messages to the tree, assuring it that Naomi is safe and that one day she will return. And when she does, the tree will be waiting for her.

Based on the World War II story of Naomi and Stephen in Naomi's Road, Naomi's Tree is a poetic story about enduring love and its almost mystical power to heal the spirit.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Based on Kogawa’s childhood experience, this spare, moving picture book tells of a Japanese Canadian family in Vancouver during World War II. The grandchild of immigrants, Naomi is just six years old in 1942 when war breaks out with Japan. Mama, visiting her sick grandmother in Japan, cannot return, and Naomi never sees her again. Naomi’s family is declared the enemy, and their property is confiscated by the Canadian government. The simple words and soft-edged pencil illustrations, washed in color, focus on the family’s beloved cherry tree, which becomes a metaphor, delicate and powerful, for roots: long ago, Naomi’s immigrant family brought seeds with them and planted the tree, which blossomed and grew through the generations. An afterword fills in Kogawa’s family story, including the recent government establishment of the home as a writers’ center with its own symbolic tree. Pair this with Caldecott Medalist Allen Say’s Grandfather’s Journey (1993). Grades 3-5. --Hazel Rochman

Review

"The book's text and illustrations contain both beauty and grace.
Recommended"
-- CM Magazine

"Naomi's Tree tells a heart-wrenching, but ultimately heart-warming story of loss and healing."
-- International Examiner

"This is a beautiful testament to friendship, and the healing power of nature. Combined with Ohi's lush pencil and watercolour illustrations - especially those of the tree in bloom - Naomi's Tree is a solid pick for all school-age picture book collections."
-- Resource Links

"Ohi outdoes herself with her compelling artworks. Just as our own backyard cherry trees are now setting their fruit, with harvest in perhaps a month, reading the tale of Naomi's tree is also a fruitful journey. It begins sweetly, turns sour, and is ultimately as sweet as can be."
-- The Hamilton Spectator

"Kogawa's story is really about the power of love and how time can bring about reconciliation and new hope. Ruth Ohi's artwork in coloured pencil is suitably sensitive and delicate."
-- Winnipeg Free Press

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Fitzhenry and Whiteside; 1 edition (March 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554550556
• ISBN-13: 978-1554550555
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,646,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)