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The Pear Tree
In this folktale retold, Esperanza gives her very last pear to a beggar and is rewarded with the best pear crop she's ever had--and the power to ensnare anyone she wants in her tree.
When Senor Death comes for her, Esperanza tricks him into climbing her tree, where he becomes stuck, unable to come down and do his work. From that point on, no one dies. But when Esperanza learns that her friend in the next town is suffering terribly, she realizes that the end of death doesn't mean the end of suffering and agrees to let Senor Death down from her tree. The final work by legendary children's author Luli Gray with an afterword by the publisher that explains why Gray changed the story to include hope.
When Senor Death comes for her, Esperanza tricks him into climbing her tree, where he becomes stuck, unable to come down and do his work. From that point on, no one dies. But when Esperanza learns that her friend in the next town is suffering terribly, she realizes that the end of death doesn't mean the end of suffering and agrees to let Senor Death down from her tree. The final work by legendary children's author Luli Gray with an afterword by the publisher that explains why Gray changed the story to include hope.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 19, 2019
When Esperanza gives her last pear to feed a stranger, she is rewarded with a bumper crop of the juicy fruit, and the ability to trap anyone who climbs her tree. This latter proves quite useful when Senor Death comes to call, and she doesn't want to die. Unfortunately, Esperanza's decision to strand him in her pear tree has unexpected consequences. Now nothing can die, leading to more suffering than can be imagined. Relenting when she learns that her old friend is terminally ill, in pain, and longing for the end to come, Esperanza is given a further gift: she will only die when she herself chooses. And so it is that hope - "Esperanza" in Spanish - remains in the world...
Published posthumously, The Pear Tree is a book that author Luli Gray, perhaps best known for the middle-grade fantasy series that began with Falcon's Egg , was working on as her own death approached. It is a significantly edited version of a traditional folktale found in Spain and throughout Latin America, originally known as "Tia Miseria y la Muerte" (Aunt Misery and Death). In this traditional version, Aunt Misery traps Death in order to bargain for her own immortality, and is not concerned with the welfare of others. I can certainly understand why Gray, approaching her own demise, wanted to emphasize the immortality of hope rather than misery, and I appreciated the afterword here, that spelled out the changes made. The story itself, as it appears here, is engaging, and the artwork from Madelyn Goodnight is quite beautiful. Recommended to all young folklore enthusiasts, and to anyone looking for children's stories about death.
Published posthumously, The Pear Tree is a book that author Luli Gray, perhaps best known for the middle-grade fantasy series that began with Falcon's Egg , was working on as her own death approached. It is a significantly edited version of a traditional folktale found in Spain and throughout Latin America, originally known as "Tia Miseria y la Muerte" (Aunt Misery and Death). In this traditional version, Aunt Misery traps Death in order to bargain for her own immortality, and is not concerned with the welfare of others. I can certainly understand why Gray, approaching her own demise, wanted to emphasize the immortality of hope rather than misery, and I appreciated the afterword here, that spelled out the changes made. The story itself, as it appears here, is engaging, and the artwork from Madelyn Goodnight is quite beautiful. Recommended to all young folklore enthusiasts, and to anyone looking for children's stories about death.
June 23, 2019
I really loved this story, which is the retelling of a traditional folktale about an old woman who tricks death. The story is sweet while also encouraging children (and adults) to think about the reasons for death and when it is not a bad thing, such as when it offers relief to those who are suffering. The old woman is happy and not suffering, and refuses to go when death comes for her. She tricks him into getting stuck in her pear tree so he is unable to come for anyone, with unintended consequences (animals can't be butchered, battles have bizarre consequences in wars, etc.). When the woman hears that her old friend is suffering and can't end his misery, she frees death even though she knows it means giving up her own life. Death is impressed with her sacrifice and says she can continue living as long as she likes and can just call for him when she's ready (she kicks up her heels and says that may be a while).
It is especially bittersweet that the author of the retelling died after writing the book, and never even knew that it was accepted for publication. The publishers note in an epilogue that she lives on through its publication.
The illustrations are lovely, and this is a book that children are likely to enjoy. It reminds me quite a bit of the Strega Nona series, and I love that the main character was changed by the author to be a heroine (in the original, the old woman merely bargains with death and is selfish). I also like that the book encourages discussions about death and doesn't give easy answers. As the old lady tells death, he is often unfair in who he takes.
The book is due to be released in the fall of 2019 and it's one that I may purchase for our home library. Recommended.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
It is especially bittersweet that the author of the retelling died after writing the book, and never even knew that it was accepted for publication. The publishers note in an epilogue that she lives on through its publication.
The illustrations are lovely, and this is a book that children are likely to enjoy. It reminds me quite a bit of the Strega Nona series, and I love that the main character was changed by the author to be a heroine (in the original, the old woman merely bargains with death and is selfish). I also like that the book encourages discussions about death and doesn't give easy answers. As the old lady tells death, he is often unfair in who he takes.
The book is due to be released in the fall of 2019 and it's one that I may purchase for our home library. Recommended.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
October 14, 2019
This is an illustrated retelling of a traditional folktale of an old woman who tricks death. However, Luli Gray changed the story in some positive ways. In this lovely retelling, the old woman is now called Esperanza, or Hope. The original story the old woman is Tia Miseria or Aunt Misery. She frees Señor Death because she is compassionate towards her old friend, Miguel Alonzo. She is the reason there is hope. She learns that taking death away has consequences such as animals can't be butchered, or the two parts of a beheaded soldier are still alive, these are anomalies, but most importantly, there are sick, suffering people waiting for the peace of death, like her old friend. When she realizes that death is necessary in some cases, Esperanza decides to free señor Death.
This is a lovely illustrated folktale that teaches about death as well as hope. As someone who recently lost someone to death, my prayers were that he did not suffer and this tale fits that perfectly. I hope this story helps others, especially children, understand that. This is a book that has its purpose. I think someone dealing with loss would be a good audience for this book, but I also believe that it would be best for children 8 and up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book at my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This is a lovely illustrated folktale that teaches about death as well as hope. As someone who recently lost someone to death, my prayers were that he did not suffer and this tale fits that perfectly. I hope this story helps others, especially children, understand that. This is a book that has its purpose. I think someone dealing with loss would be a good audience for this book, but I also believe that it would be best for children 8 and up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book at my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
August 6, 2019
A lovely illustrated book that teaches about hope and death. As someone who also gets scared by the idea of dying and has lost some to death, this book explained again that death is inevitable and also necessary, in the best way possible. I believe this will help others, especially children, understand that too.
This is an illustrated retelling of a traditional folktale of an old woman who tricks death. However, Luli Gray positively changed the story. The woman was originally named Tia Miseria, Aunt Misery. The folktale told about how Misery tricked death and is therefore immortal. In this lovely retelling, the old woman isn't known by that name anymore, she is now called Esperanza, Hope. She frees Señor Death because she is compassionate towards her old friend, Miguel Alonzo. She is the reason there is hope. She learns that taking death away has consequences: animals can't be butchered, the two parts of a beheaded soldier are still alive ... but most importantly: there are sick, suffering people waiting for the peace of death, like her old friend. That's the reason Esperanza decides to free señor Death.
In conclusion: this was beautifully illustrated, short but with a good message.
Thank you Penny Candy Books for providing this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is an illustrated retelling of a traditional folktale of an old woman who tricks death. However, Luli Gray positively changed the story. The woman was originally named Tia Miseria, Aunt Misery. The folktale told about how Misery tricked death and is therefore immortal. In this lovely retelling, the old woman isn't known by that name anymore, she is now called Esperanza, Hope. She frees Señor Death because she is compassionate towards her old friend, Miguel Alonzo. She is the reason there is hope. She learns that taking death away has consequences: animals can't be butchered, the two parts of a beheaded soldier are still alive ... but most importantly: there are sick, suffering people waiting for the peace of death, like her old friend. That's the reason Esperanza decides to free señor Death.
In conclusion: this was beautifully illustrated, short but with a good message.
Thank you Penny Candy Books for providing this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 22, 2019
The afterword of this book, explaining how and why the author changed the original story, is one of the most interesting things about it. That's not to say that it can't stand up on its own; it's a decent folktale about a personified Death and a wily woman who outwits him.
The illustrations are quite lovely, and work well with the story. Everything from the pear tree to the characters are nicely rendered in colourful detail.
In the original story, the woman represented misery; here, she represents hope. It seems like a no-brainer, and I'm not sure why nobody ever thought of doing that before. After all, who wants to read a story about death and misery? (Not very appealing topics for a children's book, are they?)
Overall, this is a nice folktale retelling with fresh illustrations and a welcome twist on the original story. Fans of folktales and other stories that explain the "whys" of the world will probably enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penny Candy Books for providing a digital ARC.
The illustrations are quite lovely, and work well with the story. Everything from the pear tree to the characters are nicely rendered in colourful detail.
In the original story, the woman represented misery; here, she represents hope. It seems like a no-brainer, and I'm not sure why nobody ever thought of doing that before. After all, who wants to read a story about death and misery? (Not very appealing topics for a children's book, are they?)
Overall, this is a nice folktale retelling with fresh illustrations and a welcome twist on the original story. Fans of folktales and other stories that explain the "whys" of the world will probably enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penny Candy Books for providing a digital ARC.
July 22, 2019
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 8th October 2019 - publication day!
"The Pear Tree" is the retelling of a classic folktale that is suitable for all ages. The artwork is nice and simple and the story is easy to follow and understand. This is a really nice twist on an old tale of death coming for someone and being outwitted by a clever man or woman, this story has a different twist at the end which makes it stand out.
"The Pear Tree" is the retelling of a classic folktale that is suitable for all ages. The artwork is nice and simple and the story is easy to follow and understand. This is a really nice twist on an old tale of death coming for someone and being outwitted by a clever man or woman, this story has a different twist at the end which makes it stand out.
June 20, 2019
A metaphor about hope and death. Not so sure about the message and in fact it didn’t get to me. I like the idea/concept, but the way the story/moral is told just seem awkward to me!
June 25, 2019
The Pear Tree is a folktale retold by Luli Gray, but with an ending more upbeat than the original Puerto Rican folktale.
Setting itself apart from the contemporary trend of twisting as much darkness as possible into traditional tales, Gray’s retelling brings light. The necessity of death is still an integral part of the story, explained in ways that are a wee bit humorous and a wee bit macabre: both parts of a beheaded soldier are still alive, head is in a knapsack and body draped across a horse; chickens, pigs, and cows making horrible noises even after meeting the butcher’s knife; the people who are in so much pain, suffering miserably, or those too sick to live.
Held captive in Tia Miseria’s magical pear tree in the original folktale, Death allows the old lady to live forever if she releases him. In Gray’s retelling, Tia Miseria doesn’t make an appearance, but Esperanza bargains with Death for her life. Madelyn Goodnight’s illustrations are vibrant and capture the spirit of the characters.
Thanks to Penny Candy Books and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #ThePearTree
Setting itself apart from the contemporary trend of twisting as much darkness as possible into traditional tales, Gray’s retelling brings light. The necessity of death is still an integral part of the story, explained in ways that are a wee bit humorous and a wee bit macabre: both parts of a beheaded soldier are still alive, head is in a knapsack and body draped across a horse; chickens, pigs, and cows making horrible noises even after meeting the butcher’s knife; the people who are in so much pain, suffering miserably, or those too sick to live.
Held captive in Tia Miseria’s magical pear tree in the original folktale, Death allows the old lady to live forever if she releases him. In Gray’s retelling, Tia Miseria doesn’t make an appearance, but Esperanza bargains with Death for her life. Madelyn Goodnight’s illustrations are vibrant and capture the spirit of the characters.
Thanks to Penny Candy Books and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #ThePearTree
November 28, 2019
A folk tale retelling with a happier ending than the original. Esperanza, an old woman whose pear tree grows the sweetest pears in Spain, is devastated when a hail storm freezes her tree and all the pears, ruining the crop she needed to sell to buy food. Even so, she gives her last preserved pear to a beggar woman who comes to her door one evening, and wakes to find her tree magically restored, and now it will trap anyone who climbs it and picks a pear, unless Esperanza says they may climb down. Soon she is healthy and strong again. Then Death comes for her, and she tricks him into climbing her tree to pick one last pear for her, and he becomes trapped. Now, no one can die, even animals can be butchered, but Esperanza won't budge. It isn't until Death tells her of a dear friend of hers who is ill, in pain, and suffering, that she decides to sacrifice her life to let Death down from the tree so her friend can be at peace. Death is so impressed that he tells her she may live as long as she likes, and because of this, we'll always have hope (Esperanza means "hope" in Spanish) in the world. The original version had Aunt Misery tricking Death only letting him free when he promised not to take her, so we always have misery. I like this version much better. In a note at the end of the book, the publisher lets us know that the author, Luli Gray, passed before the book was published, but she lives on in her work. A fun tale with a sassy heroine who is mostly good, but not entirely. The artwork compliments the story nicely, and is quite lovely.
#ThePearTree #NetGalley
#ThePearTree #NetGalley
September 22, 2019
The Pear Tree by Luli Gray is a cleverly reimagined telling of a classic folktale. This beautifully illustrated tale tells the story of Esperanza, a woman who essentially cheats death, yet is willing to sacrifice her own life to end the suffering of her fellow man. I have vague memories of being told the original version of this folktale when I was a child, but this retelling, in the hands of Ms Gray, has proven to be a more positive and uplifting take on a difficult subject. Rather than being "Aunt Misery", Esperanza is hope, both in name and action, and I believe that this reimagining will resonate with both children and adults alike.
I was saddened to learn that The Pear Tree was published following Luli Gray's death, but what a wonderful legacy to leave behind for future generations.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penny Candy Books for this ARC.
I was saddened to learn that The Pear Tree was published following Luli Gray's death, but what a wonderful legacy to leave behind for future generations.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penny Candy Books for this ARC.
October 22, 2019
'The Pear Tree' by Luli Gray with illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight is a retelling of a famous fable about a crafty old woman.
Esperanza has a pear tree she is proud of. When she only has one pear left, she gives it to a beggar. In return, the beggar blesses Esperanza with the power to trap anyone in her tree. When death comes for Esperanza, she tricks him in to the tree. Now know one can die. But is that a good thing?
I really liked this update on this fairy tale. Especially the way the ending is changed with a different name. I loved the beautiful illustrations that go along with the story. This a classic picture book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penny Candy Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Esperanza has a pear tree she is proud of. When she only has one pear left, she gives it to a beggar. In return, the beggar blesses Esperanza with the power to trap anyone in her tree. When death comes for Esperanza, she tricks him in to the tree. Now know one can die. But is that a good thing?
I really liked this update on this fairy tale. Especially the way the ending is changed with a different name. I loved the beautiful illustrations that go along with the story. This a classic picture book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penny Candy Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
September 23, 2019
I have mixed feelings on this book as a children's book. It deals with a heavy topic (death) and while it does so in a sensitive way, I thought that the moral of the story wasn't as clear cut as it should be. The woman tricks death and still gets to live on even though she tricks him and it is her time to die. I personally don't think the story's moral gets through at all.
That being said, I really like the illustrations and I personally enjoyed the story very much. My kids seemed less interested in it and my young daughter was absolutely bored while I read it. It was too difficult for her to follow. I think this book is suited to slightly older kids as opposed to young ones.
This book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
That being said, I really like the illustrations and I personally enjoyed the story very much. My kids seemed less interested in it and my young daughter was absolutely bored while I read it. It was too difficult for her to follow. I think this book is suited to slightly older kids as opposed to young ones.
This book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2019
The Pear Tree
by Luli Gray
Penny Candy Books
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 08 Oct 2019
In this beautifully illustrated and written retelling of an old folktale Esperanza (who was originally called Tia Miseria) gives a beggar the last pear she had and is in turn rewarded with the best pear crop she has ever had as well as the power to trap anyone she wants on the pear tree.
When Death comes for Esperanza she tricks him into going up the pear tree and traps him there, from that point on he’s stuck and no one dies. But after Esperanza learns the end to death does not mean the end to suffering she lets Death down to do his work.
This book is the final work by Legendary Author Luli Gray.
I give The Pear Tree five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
October 15, 2019
The late Luli Gray left us another twist on an old fable. In Ant and Grasshopper, she turned punitive judgment into a celebration of humane values, friendship, and the richness of diverse gifts.
In The Pear Tree, she gives us an old woman, Tia Esperanza (hope), who tries to trick Death, but eventually realizes that he carries out a necessary mission. In the original Spanish folktale, the old woman was Tia Miseria (misery) but in Luli Gray's version we learn that despite death, there will always be hope in the world. Madelyn Goodnight has illustrated the story with beautiful scenery and vivid characters that enhance the sense of folktale magic.
In The Pear Tree, she gives us an old woman, Tia Esperanza (hope), who tries to trick Death, but eventually realizes that he carries out a necessary mission. In the original Spanish folktale, the old woman was Tia Miseria (misery) but in Luli Gray's version we learn that despite death, there will always be hope in the world. Madelyn Goodnight has illustrated the story with beautiful scenery and vivid characters that enhance the sense of folktale magic.
June 28, 2019
Very much worth anyone's consideration, this book turns a folk tale I have to admit to not knowing on its head. The real thing, apparently, is much darker – but this still features an elderly woman gifted a magic quality to her pear tree through an act of kindness, and the man that comes to visit us all – Mr Death. Both the older and this woman get their way, but this book has a much more positive outcome than previous tellings. It also looks superb – the faultless style of the artwork is really to the volume's credit. Four and a half stars.
June 29, 2019
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
I wasn't aware of this fairy tale until now and I'm glad I read this. While classic fairy tales often stray into pessimism, this modern retelling is positive and optimistic. The story is easy to follow, with some fantastic, vibrant artwork by Madelyn Goodnight. It is a story that can help a young reader understand that death is an inevitability in life and that it is also necessary.
I wasn't aware of this fairy tale until now and I'm glad I read this. While classic fairy tales often stray into pessimism, this modern retelling is positive and optimistic. The story is easy to follow, with some fantastic, vibrant artwork by Madelyn Goodnight. It is a story that can help a young reader understand that death is an inevitability in life and that it is also necessary.
September 22, 2019
The Pear Tree is the beautiful retelling of an old folk tale. In it, an old woman gives charity to a strange man, and is rewarded with powers revolving around her pear tree, When Death comes to take her, it's time for the clever woman to trick him - and find out what that entails.
The Pear Tree is a beautifully narrated story, accompanied by pretty illustrations. It's interesting, sweet, and leaves the reader with some very important life lessons. An interesting, short, and amusing story.
The Pear Tree is a beautifully narrated story, accompanied by pretty illustrations. It's interesting, sweet, and leaves the reader with some very important life lessons. An interesting, short, and amusing story.
August 2, 2019
A beautiful retelling of a classic European folktale that tells of a touching tale about death, mortality and kindness.
Despite the heavy topics, Gray's writing is witty yet sensitive, and Goodnight's illustrations are stunningly vibrant, which together give a fresh and upbeat life to an old tale.
Despite the heavy topics, Gray's writing is witty yet sensitive, and Goodnight's illustrations are stunningly vibrant, which together give a fresh and upbeat life to an old tale.
August 13, 2019
The illustrations are beautifully done, and I really enjoyed this retelling of the folktale. In it, Esparanza manages to trick death, but then is willing to sacrifice her life for a friend, so death tells her she may live as long as she'd like. In the end we learn that Esparanza means hope, and that's why there's always hope in the world.
September 20, 2020
Nice twist on an old tale! I have read other versions of the story of death coming for someone and being outwitted by a clever man or woman. But this story also has a unique to me twist at the end of the story. I think it's a lovely story for all ages. The illustrations were wonderful to look at, too.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
August 26, 2019
Luli Gray hit the jackpot with this tale. It is both captivating and moving. The illustrations were gorgeous. Her take on this tale is spot on, and I appreciate the time it went to translating and reinterpreting it for an English speaking audience.
November 27, 2019
Odd book explaining why death is necessary and inevitable.
September 2, 2023
I cry every time I read this book.
July 6, 2019
The Pear Tree was a retelling of an ancient folk tale told in many different groups for many years about the visiting of Mr. Death. In this version an old woman doesn't want to die and thus prevents Mr. Death from leaving by sticking him in pear tree. In the end, the woman gets what she wants because of her compassion towards her friend, but it takes some time to get there.
Illustrations were pleasant and a lovely, age-old story.
Illustrations were pleasant and a lovely, age-old story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews