The good for nothing tree

Levine and Eisenberg Sasso team up for another picture book based on the parables of Jesus, highlighting the lessons and values one can learn from observing nature. "Once a gardener planted a fig tree," the book begins. In this tree lies the promise of delightful shade and delicious fruit. The seasons change and the tree grows taller; but alas, it fails to come into leaf and there is no harvest to speak of. A White gardener and a group of racially diverse children keep watch. "Will the tree ever grow up?" the youngsters ask, and the gardener recommends patience. Another year goes by, but still the tree refuses to yield figs and shade. Adults begin to call the tree "good for nothing," and even the gardener begins to wonder if they should start afresh with a new planting, but the children know the tree just needs more love and more time. As year follows year, the children lovingly and persistently tend to their beloved tree, ultimately reaping the literal fruit of their labor. Guaranteed to draw comparisons to The Giving Tree (1964), this book inverts Silverstein's now-classic narrative by showing child protagonists giving tirelessly to an eponymous tree; however, the lesson here seems to be persistence rather than love devoid of self-interest. Though the story strays far from the biblical teaching it draws from, its themes remain scriptural and are also universal. Bowler's illustrations invite interest with their palpable textures and impressionistic lights and shadows. Many good things take time, but this book is short and sweet. (authors' note, recipe) (Religious picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.