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The Sour Cherry Tree
A heartwarming look at love, loss, and memorable objects through the eyes of a child
After her grandfather's death, a young girl wanders through his house. As she tours each room, the objects she discovers stir memories of her grandfather--her baba bozorg. His closet full of clothes reminds her of the mints he kept in his pockets. His favorite teacup conjures thoughts of the fig cookies he would offer her. The curtains in the living room bring up memories of hide-and-seek games and the special relationship that she and her baba bozorg shared, even though they spoke different languages.
The Sour Cherry Tree is an authentic look at death and loss centred on the experiences of a child, both strikingly whimsical and matter-of-fact. Drawing on the Iranian-Canadian author's childhood memories, this tender meditation on grief, love, and memory is at once culturally specific and universally relatable.
After her grandfather's death, a young girl wanders through his house. As she tours each room, the objects she discovers stir memories of her grandfather--her baba bozorg. His closet full of clothes reminds her of the mints he kept in his pockets. His favorite teacup conjures thoughts of the fig cookies he would offer her. The curtains in the living room bring up memories of hide-and-seek games and the special relationship that she and her baba bozorg shared, even though they spoke different languages.
The Sour Cherry Tree is an authentic look at death and loss centred on the experiences of a child, both strikingly whimsical and matter-of-fact. Drawing on the Iranian-Canadian author's childhood memories, this tender meditation on grief, love, and memory is at once culturally specific and universally relatable.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 25, 2022
As readers of this blog know, I am an eclectic reader. I took several library science courses in college. One of my favorite courses was on children's literature. After earning a master’s in English, I taught at MO State U (then Southwest MO State U) where children’s lit was in the English Department. I had the privilege of teaching the course several times. I still enjoy reading children’s literature. The Sour Cherry Tree written by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Nahid Kazemi is the latest such book I’ve read.
The Sour Cherry Tree is a sweet story that begins with a little girl biting her mom’s toe to wake her. Wait, you say, how can a story starting with the biting of another person be a sweet story? The little girl tells readers that she does not bite too hard, “just hard enough to wake her.” The little girl knows her grandfather, Baba Bozog, “forgot to wake up yesterday, and he lived alone, so there was no one to bite him.” That’s sound reasoning for a little girl. In her mind, if only she had been with her Baba Bozog, she could have awakened him.
The story continues with the little girl and her mom going to Baba Bozog’s home “to take care of a few things.” While there, the little girl remembers the times with her grandfather. She wanders around the house, looking at items there and recalling happy times with her grandfather. She mentions times when Baba Bozog gave her fig cookies to eat. Even though she didn’t like the fig cookies, she ate them with him.
The Sour Cherry tree is beautifully illustrated throughout. The story and the illustrations provide a dual telling of the little girl’s visits with her grandfather. It is a story of love. On the back cover, readers will see this line: “Sometimes. You don’t need to share words to share love.”
The Sour Cherry Tree is a sweet story that begins with a little girl biting her mom’s toe to wake her. Wait, you say, how can a story starting with the biting of another person be a sweet story? The little girl tells readers that she does not bite too hard, “just hard enough to wake her.” The little girl knows her grandfather, Baba Bozog, “forgot to wake up yesterday, and he lived alone, so there was no one to bite him.” That’s sound reasoning for a little girl. In her mind, if only she had been with her Baba Bozog, she could have awakened him.
The story continues with the little girl and her mom going to Baba Bozog’s home “to take care of a few things.” While there, the little girl remembers the times with her grandfather. She wanders around the house, looking at items there and recalling happy times with her grandfather. She mentions times when Baba Bozog gave her fig cookies to eat. Even though she didn’t like the fig cookies, she ate them with him.
The Sour Cherry tree is beautifully illustrated throughout. The story and the illustrations provide a dual telling of the little girl’s visits with her grandfather. It is a story of love. On the back cover, readers will see this line: “Sometimes. You don’t need to share words to share love.”
February 10, 2022
A lovely story of a granddaughter saying goodbye to a beloved grandfather. Soft illustrations and text creates a loving memory.
November 12, 2021
A beautiful book about processing loss through memories.
August 24, 2021
The Sour Cherry Tree by Naseem Hrab and Nahid Kazemi is about the power of memories from a child's point of view. This story begins with the loss of a grandfather who sometimes spoke in the language of his homeland where he was a poet. His daughter and granddaughter think fondly of the tree he planted in his new home where they are visiting on the day after his passing.
I admire the tone of this book, which the author has masterfully crafted into that of a young girl realizing that her baba is no more. It delves into tough subject matter without being morbid or indifferent. The book and its illustrations portray a lovely picture of the Farsi culture being imparted onto a second-generation North American youngster. I recommend it for preschool and elementary age children and their caregivers. It is a reading treasure and a starting point for multigenerational conversations.
I admire the tone of this book, which the author has masterfully crafted into that of a young girl realizing that her baba is no more. It delves into tough subject matter without being morbid or indifferent. The book and its illustrations portray a lovely picture of the Farsi culture being imparted onto a second-generation North American youngster. I recommend it for preschool and elementary age children and their caregivers. It is a reading treasure and a starting point for multigenerational conversations.
January 28, 2022
A beautifully crafted picture book about love and loss from the perspective of a young child.
January 22, 2022
A gentle look at memory, especially those memories that we share with people we've lost. The illustrations reflect the tenderness of the text. Just lovely.
January 13, 2022
Gentle story about the loss of a grandparent and the memories we keep.
September 20, 2021
This picture book might help an adult discuss the sense of loss in conjunction with how special the lifetime memories and/oraccomplishments are of a recently deceased family member.
In Naseem Hrab's book, it is Babu Bozorg (Grandpa) who has died. The soft focus, sparingly colored illustrations help to create the right mood for this book's topic. The young child in the story does not seem to realize how final Babu's departure is as she jumps on Babu's bed as she used to do to wake him up and searches through the pockets of his clothes for the goodies he used to always have on hand. One strength of this book is it seems to be more of a contemplative mood rather than a tear jerker. The reason I rated the book a 4 out of 5 stars is that it is not a book I would be giving as a gift to children on a large variety of occasions.
In Naseem Hrab's book, it is Babu Bozorg (Grandpa) who has died. The soft focus, sparingly colored illustrations help to create the right mood for this book's topic. The young child in the story does not seem to realize how final Babu's departure is as she jumps on Babu's bed as she used to do to wake him up and searches through the pockets of his clothes for the goodies he used to always have on hand. One strength of this book is it seems to be more of a contemplative mood rather than a tear jerker. The reason I rated the book a 4 out of 5 stars is that it is not a book I would be giving as a gift to children on a large variety of occasions.
June 6, 2021
The Sour Cherry Tree is a sweet multicultural story about grief from a child’s perspective after losing her grandfather. The author recalls the memories and allows the grief to come. The illustrations are beautifully done.
As an educator, I would recommend this book for families that have recently suffered a loss. It may help children understand that grief is normal and must be processed at an individual pace. Cherish the memories!
Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
As an educator, I would recommend this book for families that have recently suffered a loss. It may help children understand that grief is normal and must be processed at an individual pace. Cherish the memories!
Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2022
After the death of her beloved grandfather, baba bozorg, a young girl drifts through the rooms of his house, where the empty bed she used to jump on, the curtains she used to hide behind, the fig cookies he used to give her evoke stark reminders of how much everything has changed. Told from an Iranian/Persian perspective, the theme of loss is universal, making this both a 'mirror' and a 'window' book.
This is a more subtle take on the death of a grandparent than All From a Walnut, which we reviewed in June. I would argue that it's equally powerful for being so, as it captures how grief can be experienced by a child as a blur of events that happen around them and envelop them, with the haze punctuated every now and then by a poignant reminder of a loved one's absence. The young girl's grief is deeply rooted in Baba bozorg's belongings and the memories they evoke of all the things she can no longer do with him. The publisher's blurb called this book both 'whimsical and matter-of-fact' in it's portrayal of death, and it's a good description. Nahid Kazemi's illustrations seem to fade off the page, evoking a graphic portrayal of loss, memory and change. I loved that the young girl shares her grandfather's strong features, another reminder of how much he lives on in her. This one's a keeper.
This is a more subtle take on the death of a grandparent than All From a Walnut, which we reviewed in June. I would argue that it's equally powerful for being so, as it captures how grief can be experienced by a child as a blur of events that happen around them and envelop them, with the haze punctuated every now and then by a poignant reminder of a loved one's absence. The young girl's grief is deeply rooted in Baba bozorg's belongings and the memories they evoke of all the things she can no longer do with him. The publisher's blurb called this book both 'whimsical and matter-of-fact' in it's portrayal of death, and it's a good description. Nahid Kazemi's illustrations seem to fade off the page, evoking a graphic portrayal of loss, memory and change. I loved that the young girl shares her grandfather's strong features, another reminder of how much he lives on in her. This one's a keeper.
June 9, 2021
“The Sour Cherry Tree”, written by Naseem Hrab and beautifully illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, is a heartbreaking tale about loss and grief. After the death of her grandfather, a little girl visits his now empty home with her mother. There, she remembers the times spent when her grandfather was alive, and realizes how empty everything feels now that he is gone.
The illustrations are subtle, and complement the tone of the story very well. The words are simple and not many, and articulate the feeling of loss very well. Reading the story made me feel very emotional, and took me back to the loss of my own grandparents when I was a child. I feel this book could be very helpful for children who experience loss, to help them express their feelings and process their grief. Thank you very much to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
The illustrations are subtle, and complement the tone of the story very well. The words are simple and not many, and articulate the feeling of loss very well. Reading the story made me feel very emotional, and took me back to the loss of my own grandparents when I was a child. I feel this book could be very helpful for children who experience loss, to help them express their feelings and process their grief. Thank you very much to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2021
This heartwarming book gives voice to families who find ways to communicate and express love without sharing a common language. A little girl takes the reader along as she plays alongside her grandfather and recreates her mother's former childhood games. Although the grandfather speaks Farsi and the granddaughter does not, they find ways to connect that are endearing, meaningful, and special.
The soft colors used by the illustrator are like whisps across each page. I love the illustrator's medium and style and found it refreshing after reading so many bright and bold books in the genre.
As always, I’m grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. The words and opinions are all my own.
#love #families #immigrants #bibliotherapy #therapistswhoread
The soft colors used by the illustrator are like whisps across each page. I love the illustrator's medium and style and found it refreshing after reading so many bright and bold books in the genre.
As always, I’m grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. The words and opinions are all my own.
#love #families #immigrants #bibliotherapy #therapistswhoread
June 17, 2021
This is a beautifully illustrated book that follows a little girl after the loss of her grandfather. Feelings of loss and grief are explored as the girl walks through her grandfather's house after he has passed. We get to see her experience her memories of her grandfather. Her grandfather spoke Farsi while she couldn't, but they were able to build a strong bond and love for each other. This was a very touching and emotional book about grief and how somebody may experience these feelings. I cannot express how beautiful the illustrations are. This book would be great for children who have or are experiencing the loss of a loved one.
I would like to thank Owlkids for providing me with an ARC.
I would like to thank Owlkids for providing me with an ARC.
July 28, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
A tender look at death through the eyes of a child. Her Baba Bozorg/grandfather has passed away just before the book begins. Readers see she and her mom go over to his home. She moves through the home and yard remembering how they spent their time together. She shares about the language barrier and the love that connected them. The sour cherry tree in the title is one that was planted by her grandfather when her mother was the girl's age. It has obviously been part of their three lives though younger readers may miss that.
One that families may want to share together after a loved one's death. It will spark dialogue about their own memories in their own homes.
A tender look at death through the eyes of a child. Her Baba Bozorg/grandfather has passed away just before the book begins. Readers see she and her mom go over to his home. She moves through the home and yard remembering how they spent their time together. She shares about the language barrier and the love that connected them. The sour cherry tree in the title is one that was planted by her grandfather when her mother was the girl's age. It has obviously been part of their three lives though younger readers may miss that.
One that families may want to share together after a loved one's death. It will spark dialogue about their own memories in their own homes.
September 24, 2024
Grandfather Baba Borzorg died at the beginning of this powerful picture book about the death of a family member. The young girl has many fond memories of him and has a hard time letting go of those times that they shared together. When she and her Mom visit his home to collect and pack up his belongings, the granddaughter pretends that he is still there. All her dreams fade away and she stands under his cherry tree remembering that he was a poet in Iran. She has seen his writings but cannot read the words. Her Mom shares her memories and as they both leave, the two look back at the house where Baba always waved to them...now an empty home. Naseem Hrab has written a meaningful poignant story which is enhanced by Nahid Kazemi's soft watercolor illustrations. Highly recommended for ages 5+.
September 13, 2022
The author is a former children’s librarian, so arguably has experience with young children. The very first page says that the main character’s grandfather “forgot to wake up yesterday”. Having personal experience with young children dealing with death this is terrifying and would cause some children to be afraid to go to sleep.
It’s a shame really, because the rest of the writing definitely has value. I especially liked how the author explained the language disparity in the family. The illustrations are old fashioned and lovely. Perhaps this story wild help some families, but none that I know.
It’s a shame really, because the rest of the writing definitely has value. I especially liked how the author explained the language disparity in the family. The illustrations are old fashioned and lovely. Perhaps this story wild help some families, but none that I know.
December 30, 2021
What a beautiful experience of loss and affection, centering around the narrator's grandfather who has clearly died but whose loss has not generated the young narrator's emotions of grief. Instead she is reminded of her baba by food and memory, goes to his house with her mother, and processes his absence by wearing his slippers and reenacting their time together physically. As the mother and daughter wave goodbye to the absent father and grandfather under the sour cherry tree, there is a sense of closure and of his abiding spirit. Perfect illustrations by Nahid Kazemi.
November 1, 2022
I can see this lovely, soft trip though a little girl's memories of her grandfather, her baba bozorg, being useful to older kids and even adults as well as younger kids. It shows a full life and strong connections that people will remember and enjoy talking about. The granddaughter recalls mints, striped slippers, bouncing on the bed, but there's the cherry tree that was planted when her mother was a girl and the grandfather's poetry, written in Farsi.
This seems like a story that is written later in the death/grief process, we don't know how long it has been since her grandfather died.
This seems like a story that is written later in the death/grief process, we don't know how long it has been since her grandfather died.
October 29, 2021
How do children think about the death of a loved one? By thinking about and acting out favorite joint activities. In this case, the girl slips on her grandpa's slippers, hides in his favorite spot, and thinks about his favorite kind of tea. The child doesn't necessarily have the vocabulary for her feelings, but going through some concrete memories was very poignant. The soft pencil and very softly lined colors evoke the haziness of memory.
June 23, 2021
A lovely story about a child’s immediate life after the loss of a grandparent. I enjoyed the simplistic coloring of illustrations. It’s not a book I would recommend for a child’s casual reading, but definitely a touching story I would share with an older child or adult. I would definitely recommend for a young patron dealing with loss, as the book messages that our lives do go on after a loss.
June 28, 2021
In this moving picture book, the main character is dealing with the loss of her grandfather. She is so young, that it is explained to her as "not waking up". She and her mother go to his house the day after, and the young child explores each room. As she plays she is reminded of the happy times she had with him even though there was a language barrier. Love is its own langauge.
December 28, 2021
Stunning book about loss and grief and learning acceptance through memories. It is sad, and hits home really hard for me at this unfortunately coincidental time of loss in my life, but it is also hopeful and healing. A really beautiful book for a child who has suffered the loss of someone special and important to them.
January 10, 2022
Too young yet to understand the finality of her grandfather’s death, a preschool girl helps her mother “take care of a few things” at his home. While her mom makes funeral arrangements, the child relives several touching memories she shared with her Baba Bozorg. Gauzy illustrations beautifully dramatize the fog of grief in the wake of a death in the family.
April 1, 2022
Very touching and heartfelt book about the feeling of loss and what it feels like to process it. Very good at teaching kids about coping with grief and allowing yourself to feel. Children will learn empathy for others and how to hold on to the memories of departed loved ones. Recommended for kids and parents experiencing loss.
September 15, 2022
One of the best opening paragraphs I've come across in books about death for kids thus far:
"I bit my mom on the toe this morning. Not too hard. Just hard enough to wake her. My baba bozorg forgot to wake up yesterday. He lived alone, so no one was there to bite him. I really wish I'd been there."
It's melancholy and reflective and hopeful and the illustrations are perfect for the text.
"I bit my mom on the toe this morning. Not too hard. Just hard enough to wake her. My baba bozorg forgot to wake up yesterday. He lived alone, so no one was there to bite him. I really wish I'd been there."
It's melancholy and reflective and hopeful and the illustrations are perfect for the text.
July 20, 2021
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Books for children about death/loss/grief can be tricky, and this one is a little different (in a good way). I enjoyed the girl’s story and the ending that will promote discussion.
Books for children about death/loss/grief can be tricky, and this one is a little different (in a good way). I enjoyed the girl’s story and the ending that will promote discussion.
December 3, 2021
This storybook has soft sketch illustrations calling to mind the memories we hold of love ones lost. It begins with a bit of silly kid antics, but is a lovely recollection of a grandfather who passed. Storytime themes: grandfathers, grief, memories, honoring our loved ones, and death.
December 3, 2021
Powerful but subtle book about dealing with loss while continuing with life. A little girl processes the death of her grandfather in everyday moments and memories. Will be very helpful for young readers to relate to as they remember, recover from and grow from their own losses.
March 31, 2022
This book reminds me of _The Funeral_ in its look at death from a child's perspective. Removed are dramatic moments of grief and despair and resolution and instead we get a child who sees her grandfather in pancakes, trees, and teacups. It's a beautiful story.
May 4, 2023
This touching picture book is about a young girl remembering her grandfather after he has passed. She visits his house and recalls many memories about him. Stunning chalk pastel illustrations are as gentle as the way the author handles the passing of a loved one. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews