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Dear Baobab
Maiko has left his village in Tanzania far behind, moving to Canada with his aunt and uncle. When he thinks of home, he thinks of the beautiful big baobab tree at the center of the village. In his new home, Maiko feels a connection to the small spruce tree in the front yard--it's seven years old, the same age as he is. The tree sings to him and shares his secrets. When he learns that the roots of the tree are growing too close to the house, putting the little spruce in danger of being cut down, Maiko tries to save it. He knows all too well what it's like to be small and planted in the wrong place.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2019
Seven-year-old Maiko, born and raised in Tanzania, but now living in Canada with his Aunt Ajia and Uncle Peter, missed the ancient baobab tree that stood in the center of his old village. 2,000 years old, it had been a baby, his mother used to joke, when "that tall mountain over there was just a pebble." Maiko's parents were dead now, though, and he "didn't live among the baobabs anymore." Forming a bond with the small spruce tree growing near the steps of his new city home - a spruce planted the same year as his birth - he came to hear and understand its voice, and to share his troubles with it. From his sense of loss and displacement, so far from the village in which he was raised, to his sadness at the ridicule he endured at school, Maiko shared everything with the spruce, and learned a great deal in turn, from the spruce's song:
"He learned what it was like for a tree to have roots that sipped water hidden far beneath the earth, and how it felt to drink the sun and listen to the melodies of the chickadees that sheltered in its branches. He learned how a tiny seed from a cone could float away to plant itself in the earth beneath the mailbox. And he learned that his ears were good, for only Maiko could hear the little tree when it sang."
When Maiko learns that his aunt and uncle plan to cut the tree down, because its roots are undermining the foundations of their house, he does everything he can to delay the inevitable. But will he be able to save the little spruce, his first friend in a strange new world...?
An immensely touching tale, which had me choking back tears, as I finished it, Dear Baobab is one of the latest offerings from Second Story Press - a woman-owned feminist press in Toronto, whose children's catalogue is invariably excellent. I have to thank the publisher for providing me with a reviewer's copy - I generally don't accept such offers, but as I was already a fan of this particular independent press, I made an exception for them - as I might not have obtained it, otherwise. I didn't recognize the author's name, when first looking at this listing, but I've actually read another children's book from Black Canadian writer Cheryl Foggo, I Have Been In Danger , which was published by another of my favorite small Canadian publishers, the Saskatchewan-based Coteau Books. I'm glad to have this opportunity to read another of her works!
Lyrically told, in a simple but beautiful way, and emotionally resonant, Foggo's story presents some important issues - immigration, loneliness and homesickness, a sense of connection to the natural world around us, family, making new friends - in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. I loved the scene in which Maiko finally talks to his Uncle Peter about his feelings about the spruce tree, and, by extension, his new life in Canada:
"Although Maiko was young, in his heart he knew many things. he knew that the tree could not do what he had asked it to do. He knew it was wrong to hide the ax and the saw. He knew what it meant to be small and planted in the wrong place."
As Uncle Peter says, "It's a serious thing, to feel that you don't belong," and this lovely book, with its emotionally rich prose, and simple but expressive artwork from Shanghai-born illustrator Qin Leng, treats that 'serious thing' with the respect and compassion it deserves, crafting an immensely moving reading experience in the process. The conclusion, in which Maiko's arboreal friend is to be transplanted to a very special forest, and Maiko tells it: "You see, we can't always grow where we are planted. But we can still can grow somewhere else," is so very fitting - so very right, and true - had me in tears. Highly, highly recommended, to anyone looking for excellent children's stories about immigration, family, and belonging (and trees, of course)! I don't give out five-star ratings at the drop of a hat (very rarely, in fact), but Cheryl Foggo's Dear Baobab more than merits it, and I hope it goes on to great success!
"He learned what it was like for a tree to have roots that sipped water hidden far beneath the earth, and how it felt to drink the sun and listen to the melodies of the chickadees that sheltered in its branches. He learned how a tiny seed from a cone could float away to plant itself in the earth beneath the mailbox. And he learned that his ears were good, for only Maiko could hear the little tree when it sang."
When Maiko learns that his aunt and uncle plan to cut the tree down, because its roots are undermining the foundations of their house, he does everything he can to delay the inevitable. But will he be able to save the little spruce, his first friend in a strange new world...?
An immensely touching tale, which had me choking back tears, as I finished it, Dear Baobab is one of the latest offerings from Second Story Press - a woman-owned feminist press in Toronto, whose children's catalogue is invariably excellent. I have to thank the publisher for providing me with a reviewer's copy - I generally don't accept such offers, but as I was already a fan of this particular independent press, I made an exception for them - as I might not have obtained it, otherwise. I didn't recognize the author's name, when first looking at this listing, but I've actually read another children's book from Black Canadian writer Cheryl Foggo, I Have Been In Danger , which was published by another of my favorite small Canadian publishers, the Saskatchewan-based Coteau Books. I'm glad to have this opportunity to read another of her works!
Lyrically told, in a simple but beautiful way, and emotionally resonant, Foggo's story presents some important issues - immigration, loneliness and homesickness, a sense of connection to the natural world around us, family, making new friends - in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. I loved the scene in which Maiko finally talks to his Uncle Peter about his feelings about the spruce tree, and, by extension, his new life in Canada:
"Although Maiko was young, in his heart he knew many things. he knew that the tree could not do what he had asked it to do. He knew it was wrong to hide the ax and the saw. He knew what it meant to be small and planted in the wrong place."
As Uncle Peter says, "It's a serious thing, to feel that you don't belong," and this lovely book, with its emotionally rich prose, and simple but expressive artwork from Shanghai-born illustrator Qin Leng, treats that 'serious thing' with the respect and compassion it deserves, crafting an immensely moving reading experience in the process. The conclusion, in which Maiko's arboreal friend is to be transplanted to a very special forest, and Maiko tells it: "You see, we can't always grow where we are planted. But we can still can grow somewhere else," is so very fitting - so very right, and true - had me in tears. Highly, highly recommended, to anyone looking for excellent children's stories about immigration, family, and belonging (and trees, of course)! I don't give out five-star ratings at the drop of a hat (very rarely, in fact), but Cheryl Foggo's Dear Baobab more than merits it, and I hope it goes on to great success!
March 8, 2016
With everything going on in the world today with refugees trying to find a home this book is very timely (even though it was published a few years ago). Maiko has moved from Tanzania to Canada with his aunt and uncle. He has trouble fitting in at school, he is teased about having big ears, he misses his village and especially the Baobab tree. He sits on the porch and watches and listens to the spruce tree planted nearby. He tells the tree all about his feelings and what is happening in his new life. When he finds out that the tree might be cut down because it is too close to the house and might damage the foundation, he is upset, but does not tell anyone. This book is about changes in the life of this immigrant boy to Canada. It talks about how hard it is to fit in and explain your feelings to others. The illustrations are wonderful and help to explain the story. There is quite a bit of text on each page so this is not an early reader book, but one that can be used with older children, especially if they have new Canadians in their classroom.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
Dear Baobab by Cheryl Foggo Illustrated by Quin Leng- Children’s coloured picture book- Maiko, a seven- year old child has left his village in Tanzania, Africa and he is now living in Canada with his Uncle Peter and Aunt Ajia. Maiko always remembers his African home, its lush green surroundings and a 7-year old Baobab tree. This tree has been planted in the centre of his village. Maiko is in love with this tree. He talks to the tree and shares his secrets with him. In Canada, Maiko feels a connection to the small spruce tree in the front yard—this tree is also seven years old, the same age as Maiko is. The tree sings to him and shares his secrets. When he learns that the roots of the tree are growing too close to the house, putting the little spruce in danger of being cut down, Maiko tries to save it. He knows all too well what it's like to be small and planted in the wrong place. His uncle decides to uproot the tree and re-plant it in a larger place. Maiko is satisfied. Coloured illustrations help the reader to understand the text. I have read this book in Hindi language.
June 20, 2017
Oh man, this one made me tear up! How could I not love such a tender and sweet tale about a boy who makes friends with a spruce tree in the front yard of his new home?
March 25, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dear Baobab was a sad story. It was a good story, make no mistake, but there was a lot of sadness in Maiko's story.
This book seems to be especially needed these days, with more refugee crises happening every day. Maiko has to find his way in this new place and comes up against adversity. There's the class "bully" who teases him about his big ears, there's the little spruce tree which he becomes attached to and which is threatened with being cut down simply because of where it grew.
Maiko doesn't actually do a lot in this book, if by not a lot you understand that it means no quests other than the one that is growing up. It's a difficult time and being in a new place and learning new things doesn't make things easier. By the end of the story, when Maiko turns 8, I think he's finally learning how to settle in with his new friend and the fate of his little spruce tree solidified.
This work was beautifully written. The language wasn't overly simplistic nor was it overly fancy. It found that middle balance where the words seem to engulf you in the story. Nothing magical or fantastical is happening, but you find yourself sinking into the story and feeling for the characters.
The artwork was, too, very good. It was easy to picture these pictures leaping off the page and surrounding the reader as they go through Maiko's story, like something right out of Reading Rainbow.
Dear Baobab was a sad story. It was a good story, make no mistake, but there was a lot of sadness in Maiko's story.
This book seems to be especially needed these days, with more refugee crises happening every day. Maiko has to find his way in this new place and comes up against adversity. There's the class "bully" who teases him about his big ears, there's the little spruce tree which he becomes attached to and which is threatened with being cut down simply because of where it grew.
Maiko doesn't actually do a lot in this book, if by not a lot you understand that it means no quests other than the one that is growing up. It's a difficult time and being in a new place and learning new things doesn't make things easier. By the end of the story, when Maiko turns 8, I think he's finally learning how to settle in with his new friend and the fate of his little spruce tree solidified.
This work was beautifully written. The language wasn't overly simplistic nor was it overly fancy. It found that middle balance where the words seem to engulf you in the story. Nothing magical or fantastical is happening, but you find yourself sinking into the story and feeling for the characters.
The artwork was, too, very good. It was easy to picture these pictures leaping off the page and surrounding the reader as they go through Maiko's story, like something right out of Reading Rainbow.
October 28, 2011
Yay! I just won this book on GoodReads. I can't wait to receive it. I will be reading it with my six year-old grandson who is a first grade reader.
'Dear Baobab' was waiting for me when I came home from a fall horseback ride and provided a great end to a lovely day. What a charming little book. My original interest in the book was because I thought that my six year-old grandson might relate to it. He has struggled with insecurity and trying to figure out his "place in the world" and I thought that 'Dear Baobab' would provide the perfect venue to discuss this and hopefully provide some perspective. I look forward to sharing the book with him. I also think that reading 'Dear Baobab' with a child you love offers and opportunity to encourage empathy towards others through thinking about how they may be feeling in different circumstances. Take it one step further and plan how that empathy might be put into action!
I will let you know what Josh thinks once we have read it together
'Dear Baobab' was waiting for me when I came home from a fall horseback ride and provided a great end to a lovely day. What a charming little book. My original interest in the book was because I thought that my six year-old grandson might relate to it. He has struggled with insecurity and trying to figure out his "place in the world" and I thought that 'Dear Baobab' would provide the perfect venue to discuss this and hopefully provide some perspective. I look forward to sharing the book with him. I also think that reading 'Dear Baobab' with a child you love offers and opportunity to encourage empathy towards others through thinking about how they may be feeling in different circumstances. Take it one step further and plan how that empathy might be put into action!
I will let you know what Josh thinks once we have read it together
June 7, 2023
5 stars Maiko has been transplanted from his home in Africa to live in the United States with his Aunt and Uncle. he misses the baobab tree in his village and connects with a little spruce tree growing outside his house. As the year progresses, Maiko learns about his new home and sees that although you can't always grow where you are planted, you can grow nevertheless.
March 8, 2016
This is a beautiful story told with lyrical prose and inviting artwork.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
February 18, 2019
Dear Baobab is a sweet story about a boy named Maiko who lives with his aunt and uncle but moved from his village in Africa. Maiko has a hard time fitting in and misses his baobab tree back home. Maiko soon finds identity in a tree outside his window that is the same age as he is. The tree is in the foundation of his house but his uncle Peter makes it work until the tree is too big. Eventually, Maiko finds his place in America. This book is a more realistic side of immigration and would be great for teaching about immigration and how sometimes immigrants miss their home and their home cultures.
Assignment #5
Assignment #5
November 11, 2017
Cute story of a young boy's transition from Africa to life in America with new family. Showing his connection to nature & his ability to remember his home is inspiring.
Metaphor showing boy's transition & struggle to nature's struggle with the tree in his yard
Eager to show students this + baobab flavour
Metaphor showing boy's transition & struggle to nature's struggle with the tree in his yard
Eager to show students this + baobab flavour
February 21, 2019
This is a sad but encouraging story of a little boy who had to move to Canada from Africa where he had grown up his whole life. He felt homesick and missed his mom and dad (who passed away) and had a challenging time adjusting. This is great for students in your class who have just moved.
December 17, 2020
This creole or Caucasian woman has no authority to write a book about African society. She represents Canadian culture and society and knows little about African society. Even if she knew a lot, she is in no position to write pieces like this. I wouldn't encourage my African child to read this
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February 22, 2020This is about a boy who immigrated, he feels home-sick and finds a connection of one tree to a tree back home. The tree is going to get cut down and he tries to save it.
November 19, 2020
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 30, 2011
Seven year old Maiko must leave his African village and beloved Baobab trees to go live with his Aunt and Uncle in North America. Feeling connected with the 2000 year old, grounded tree, Maiko feels lost and uprooted in his new surroundings. Uprooted and moved unlike the Baobab tree he loves.
Now surrounded by spruce trees, Maiko is trying to fit into his new school and new home. One little spruce tree that is also 7 years old that Maiko calls "tree, same age as me", comforts him as he hears the wind sing through its leaves.
The little spruce tree is growing too close to the foundation of the house and Uncle Peter plans on cutting it down, not realizing how special it has become to Maiko.
Maiko is able to find the courage to tell Uncle Peter and a new plan for the tree is devised.
Change is hard on anyone but for such a young one to loose his parents and move to a completely different culture and way of life is exceptionally hard.
I feel many children will relate to Maiko feeling out of place and being moved from what he knows and love. In our very transient society it isn't uncommon for children to move several times in their young lives.
I have always had a fascination with the Baobab trees and this book illustrates and describes them so well. I loved how Maiko could feel connected and comforted by the big tree and had to transfer that love to another and through that he was able to realize that "We can't always grow where we are planted. But we still can grow somewhere else".
Loved the original concept with the Baobab tree, and the universal concept of children having to move and try to fit in.
Beautiful illustrations by Qin Leng who was born in Shanghai, China before moving to Montreal.
Cheryl Fogo is a journalist, screenwriter, poet and playwright. She is the author of two books for young adults. This is her first picture book. Cheryl has a particular interest in history of Black pioneers on the prairies. She live in Calgary.
I received a copy of this book from http://www.secondstorypress.ca/ in exchange for an honest review.
Now surrounded by spruce trees, Maiko is trying to fit into his new school and new home. One little spruce tree that is also 7 years old that Maiko calls "tree, same age as me", comforts him as he hears the wind sing through its leaves.
The little spruce tree is growing too close to the foundation of the house and Uncle Peter plans on cutting it down, not realizing how special it has become to Maiko.
Maiko is able to find the courage to tell Uncle Peter and a new plan for the tree is devised.
Change is hard on anyone but for such a young one to loose his parents and move to a completely different culture and way of life is exceptionally hard.
I feel many children will relate to Maiko feeling out of place and being moved from what he knows and love. In our very transient society it isn't uncommon for children to move several times in their young lives.
I have always had a fascination with the Baobab trees and this book illustrates and describes them so well. I loved how Maiko could feel connected and comforted by the big tree and had to transfer that love to another and through that he was able to realize that "We can't always grow where we are planted. But we still can grow somewhere else".
Loved the original concept with the Baobab tree, and the universal concept of children having to move and try to fit in.
Beautiful illustrations by Qin Leng who was born in Shanghai, China before moving to Montreal.
Cheryl Fogo is a journalist, screenwriter, poet and playwright. She is the author of two books for young adults. This is her first picture book. Cheryl has a particular interest in history of Black pioneers on the prairies. She live in Calgary.
I received a copy of this book from http://www.secondstorypress.ca/ in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2016
3.5 stars. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Well this was an improvement over my previous book: Anna. Still I had expected more, and I had quite a few questions.
When I read about that tree, and Maiko trying to save it, I had epic battles in my mind. Instead Maiko doesn't do much about it. Sure, he worries, he is sad, but the only thing he truly does is hiding tools or running away. Both not really that special or awesome. Yes, this is a kid, but still, I have read enough kids books to know that kids can do amazing things if they want to.
But I did like the story about Maiko, how he misses the big tree in his birth village, how he wishes he could have such a tree here. Because he feels out of place in this new country, with his aunt and uncle (I also do wonder how he got to live with them, are his parents dead? Is it dangerous where he lived (I know some place in Africa are dangerous)? Something else?). He gets laughed at because of his ears (God only knows why, he has normal ears, but I guess kids can be cruel), and he feels alone (though he will find out he is never lonely, he has his aunt and uncle and his friend).
I also liked that he talked to the tree, that he told the tree stories about his life. It was cute.
The ending? It was adorable and I am happy for both Maiko and the tree.
The art was really lovely, I love the style. Everything (not just humans or backgrounds) was just perfectly done. I do wonder how it looks in paperback, I am sure the pages look pretty and not cropped like it was on my tablet.
All in all, this is a story that I would recommend, though don't expect a great, epic battle to save a tree. Instead find a story about a boy in strange country, who misses his old country and who feels out of place. See him grow and find happiness.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Well this was an improvement over my previous book: Anna. Still I had expected more, and I had quite a few questions.
When I read about that tree, and Maiko trying to save it, I had epic battles in my mind. Instead Maiko doesn't do much about it. Sure, he worries, he is sad, but the only thing he truly does is hiding tools or running away. Both not really that special or awesome. Yes, this is a kid, but still, I have read enough kids books to know that kids can do amazing things if they want to.
But I did like the story about Maiko, how he misses the big tree in his birth village, how he wishes he could have such a tree here. Because he feels out of place in this new country, with his aunt and uncle (I also do wonder how he got to live with them, are his parents dead? Is it dangerous where he lived (I know some place in Africa are dangerous)? Something else?). He gets laughed at because of his ears (God only knows why, he has normal ears, but I guess kids can be cruel), and he feels alone (though he will find out he is never lonely, he has his aunt and uncle and his friend).
I also liked that he talked to the tree, that he told the tree stories about his life. It was cute.
The ending? It was adorable and I am happy for both Maiko and the tree.
The art was really lovely, I love the style. Everything (not just humans or backgrounds) was just perfectly done. I do wonder how it looks in paperback, I am sure the pages look pretty and not cropped like it was on my tablet.
All in all, this is a story that I would recommend, though don't expect a great, epic battle to save a tree. Instead find a story about a boy in strange country, who misses his old country and who feels out of place. See him grow and find happiness.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 28, 2011
Maiko misses the giant baobab tree in his African village when he has to go live with his uncle and aunt. At his new school Maiko is teased about his ears. Maiko finds comfort in a young spruce tree under the mailbox. When he discovers that the young tree is about the same age as him, Maiko begins to confide in it.
"After that, Maiko would say, " Hello tree, same age as me," on his way out and on his way in. Sometimes, he sat on the step and shared secrets that he told to no one else. He talked of his village and the baobabs, and how he missed his friends at the school where he had gone after his father and mother died. He told of how lonely he felt as the wind blew him across the wide ocean in an airplane, and how strange it was, at first, to sleep in the red brick house."
When Maiko learns that his uncle and aunt plan on chopping down the spruce because they're worried about the houses foundation, Maiko does everything he can to save it. This is a wonderful story and I love the connection the author makes with Maiko and the spruce. Both find themselves rooted in an unexpected place.
The cover art didn't grab me nor did it do the interior illustrations any justice. Once you open up the book, Leng's illustrations are a very good match for the story. Dear Baobab is text heavy making this great story, perfect for young listeners or readers ages 5 up.
"After that, Maiko would say, " Hello tree, same age as me," on his way out and on his way in. Sometimes, he sat on the step and shared secrets that he told to no one else. He talked of his village and the baobabs, and how he missed his friends at the school where he had gone after his father and mother died. He told of how lonely he felt as the wind blew him across the wide ocean in an airplane, and how strange it was, at first, to sleep in the red brick house."
When Maiko learns that his uncle and aunt plan on chopping down the spruce because they're worried about the houses foundation, Maiko does everything he can to save it. This is a wonderful story and I love the connection the author makes with Maiko and the spruce. Both find themselves rooted in an unexpected place.
The cover art didn't grab me nor did it do the interior illustrations any justice. Once you open up the book, Leng's illustrations are a very good match for the story. Dear Baobab is text heavy making this great story, perfect for young listeners or readers ages 5 up.
August 14, 2016
Maiko has had to leave his home somewhere in Africa to come and live with his Aunt and Uncle in what looks to be North America somewhere. (I assume Canada since both the author and illustrator live here)
He has a lot of challenges: grieving for his dead parents, going to a new school and dealing with bullying, loss of his community and especially the baobab tree at its heart. When he discovers the young spruce by his new house is the same age as him, he connects to it and confides his troubles to it.
When the tree must be cut down because of its proximity to the house, Maiko does what he can to save it. When this doesn't work, he tries to run away.
I like that Maiko's aunt and uncle are kind and loving and ready to listen and act on Maiko's concerns once he articulates them.
Qin Leng's digitally coloured illustrations articulate the difference between where Maiko lived in Africa, and where he is now. I love how she captures emotions in the characters' faces and body language.
The problem with this book is that there is a lot of text on the pages. This will dissuade many younger readers. However, because the book portrays the experience of a young immigrant to our country, it is an important title to share with readers of all ages. It would make a good read aloud as part of a family or immigration unit.
He has a lot of challenges: grieving for his dead parents, going to a new school and dealing with bullying, loss of his community and especially the baobab tree at its heart. When he discovers the young spruce by his new house is the same age as him, he connects to it and confides his troubles to it.
When the tree must be cut down because of its proximity to the house, Maiko does what he can to save it. When this doesn't work, he tries to run away.
I like that Maiko's aunt and uncle are kind and loving and ready to listen and act on Maiko's concerns once he articulates them.
Qin Leng's digitally coloured illustrations articulate the difference between where Maiko lived in Africa, and where he is now. I love how she captures emotions in the characters' faces and body language.
The problem with this book is that there is a lot of text on the pages. This will dissuade many younger readers. However, because the book portrays the experience of a young immigrant to our country, it is an important title to share with readers of all ages. It would make a good read aloud as part of a family or immigration unit.
Read
November 8, 2012A little boy called Maiko had to leave his country in Africa to live with his uncle and aunt in Canada. Maiko misses home and he often thinks about the big baobab tree that he loved to visit when he lived in Tanzania. He can feel a connection to a small spruce tree that grows right in front of the new house. The tree was seven years old his uncle said to him, the same age as Maiko. Maiko does not feel that he belongs in his new home but the tree sings to him and Maiko shares his secrets to the tree. When His uncle and aunt says that they maybe have to cut down the tree because the roots of the tree are growing too close to the house, Maiko tries to save it. He knows what it is like to be small and planted in the wrong place so they move the little tree to another place where it can grow better and he will visit the tree as often as possible. ''You see, we can't always grow where we are planted. But we still can grow somewhere else.'' I think this book is wonderful! The book can be used to talk to children about how it is to move and how it may feel like to not belong in a new place. Many children may have experienced this, and I think that this book can be nice to read with the children and talk about it and that we ''sill can grow somewhere else.''
November 23, 2011
Maiko misses his baobab tree, back home in Africa. He misses almost everything about home in Africa, but he really misses his baobab tree. He discovers a new confidant in the little spruce tree in his new home, a tree, he soon learns, that is growing too close to the house and will have to be cut down.
A warm story about learning to fit in.
“Sometimes, he sat on the step and shared secrets that he told to no one else. He talked of his village and the baobabs, and how he missed his friends at the school where he had gone after his father and mother died. He told of how lonely he felt as the wind blew him across the wide ocean in an airplane, and how strange it was, at first, to sleep in the red brick house.”
A warm story about learning to fit in.
“Sometimes, he sat on the step and shared secrets that he told to no one else. He talked of his village and the baobabs, and how he missed his friends at the school where he had gone after his father and mother died. He told of how lonely he felt as the wind blew him across the wide ocean in an airplane, and how strange it was, at first, to sleep in the red brick house.”
May 4, 2012
This is a picture book of young Maiko who moved to Canada from Africa. He left behind his favourite Baobab tree in his village, but has a new spruce tree he loves that is the same age as him. It is a story of homesickness, and trying to fit in at a new school and country. The pictures were nice, but I didn’t think the text was that great. It would not be a good read-aloud because it doesn’t have that rhythm to it. Foggo also doesn’t go into much detail about how Maiko solved his bullying problem at school, just that it didn’t happen anymore. I also wish there was at least one page showing the birthplace forest that they found because it seems to have just come out of nowhere. This could have been a very deep story, but it falls short and lacks details.
August 27, 2016
This heartwarming story about an orphaned boy who had to leave his home in Africa to live with an aunt and uncle would be terrific to share with students as a way of taking a glimpse into what it's like to be displaced and feel like you're planted where you don't belong. After Maiko's parents died, he left his African village and the enormous baobab tree that was the heart of his community. Sitting on the front steps of his new home, Maiko grows especially fond of a small spruce tree and shares many of his secrets and heartaches with it.
December 30, 2016
I liked this book until the end. I was confused by the ending, like a page was missing. Up until that point I enjoyed the story.
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