Under the Mango Tree

by Valdene Mark

Vee and Sanaa are the best of friends. Under a full mango tree, they play, dream, and plan for a future spent together, always. However, life can change quickly, and the girls must face the challenge of separation when Vee moves away. Join Vee and Sanaa as they learn how powerful friendship can be and how far it can reach.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2021

About the author

Valdene Mark is a Vincentian writer of the titles Jade Braves the Dark and Under the Mango Tree. Valdene’s stories, inspired by her childhood in the Caribbean, encourage children to use the power of imagination to navigate their feelings. Valdene now lives in the USA, with her husband and two children

Reviews

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about the friendship between two girls. Vee's family moves away but Sanaa still has the memories they shared together under the mango tree.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vee and Sanaa are best friends. Their favorite spot to play is under a mango tree. Here they spend many hours swinging, watching the clouds, and playing with their toys. They promise always to be together under this tree. One day, Vee finds out that her family is moving away. Sanaa is disheartened and lonely until she discovers an important message, the bonds of their friendship will last forever.

This is a sweet story with a message to assuage the feelings of many a child whose best friend has moved away. It is a good way to discuss the topic of separation with young children. While the author has done a good job with the story, I would have liked to have seen a brief discussion guide included for parents or teachers to share with their children.

[Hélène Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the mango tree is a charming story about childhood friendship. Together with Vee and Sanaa, we relive the simplicity and joy of warm summer days playing, sharing secrets and lying in the grass watching the clouds. They enjoy the fruits of the tree and their swing. The girls teach us about caring, sharing, sadness and loss. Childhood memories are very powerful and friendship lives on in our hearts. Beautiful!

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute, but it was sad when one of the girls had to move away and leave her best friend behind ☹

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sanaa and Vee share a beautiful friendship under their favorite mango tree until one of them moves away. Sweet children’s book with lovely illustrations.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book about friendship, loss, and hope. It's often difficult to find "every kid" stories illustrated with children of color. This book offers excellent representation and I will definitely be purchasing more copies for my friends' class libraries.

[Annette Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

True friends are never far.

I chose this rating because I feel this book can help when a friend has to move away. I wish it could have been longer maybe showing them getting mail from each other, or getting to come back and visit.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. I loved this book, and it brought back memories of some of my young adult and early married yeas in Jamaica, and my wonderful visits in Grand Cayman with my Bestie, where there always seemed to be a Mango tree nearby. I didn't often sit under it, but I sure enjoyed the fruit from it, and got smiles from seeing the locals who often could be found sitting under the Mango trees or scampering up the tree to pick the beautiful, ripe mangos. No matter where the Mango tree was growing, it seems it generally 'belonged' to the community indicating 'when Mango season come, put up pot' and just enjoy those mangos.

Wonderfully written and amazingly illustrated - a delightful book!

[Mary Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book celebrates friendship and childhood memories. The text and colourful illustrations evoke a special atmosphere and together bring the scenes to life.

Friends Vee and Sanaa share idyllic experiences under the mango tree, where they swing, imagine shapes in the clouds, and gather and eat delicious mangoes. The tree becomes a symbol of their friendship, and when Vee moves away, they promise to remember each other and the mango tree forever.

This book also inspired me to learn more about the popular Julie mango of the Caribbean.

[PACL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a relationship as sweet as a mango. Two beautiful girls spend a lot of time under a certain mango tree, making beautiful memories until one of the friends has to move away. The book explores her feelings of sadness and being alone and her journey to find peace remembering such a wonderful friend.

Thank you, Valdene, for helping build Parenting Across Color Lines "Little Diverse Library"! As a parent and teacher of multicultural students, it's SO great to see a book featuring and written by a BIPOC author.

[Sidonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my 4-year-old glimpsed the cover and promptly hopped up on my lap, insisting that I read this book to her, I figured this was going to be good. Beautifully illustrated and written in simple language, Under the Mango Tree is a quick, easy read that also manages to be heartwarming and engaging. My daughter caught on to the refrain after the second page and belted it out as she bounced on my lap. A lovely, light addition to our library.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends Sanaa and Vee have pledged to always be together. Readers see all the fun activities they enjoy as they meet at the mango tree. Sadly, Vee's family moves away and Sanaa copes with a lot of emotions being alone. The story ends with Sanaa seeing a special carving with a reminder that they are still together though in a different way.
Terrific for families who are moving or for a child whose friend has moved. The gentle writing style offers comfort and memories of fun.

[Skyler Norton]

This short story is about Hispanic young girls who lose each other at the end of the story. The girls are best friends and spend almost every day together sitting under a mango tree and spending lots of time together. I really like the representation in this book and I also like the message it sends. We may lose friends along the way but they will always be our friends, no matter how far they go.

[Latasha Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mango Tree is a heartwarming story about friendship. This story is a wonderfully, symbolic sweet tale that tackles a common experience amongst friends. Through the beautiful illustrations and plot, children will undoubtedly learn how to stay connected to individuals no matter the circumstance. Under the Mango Tree is where everyone needs to be.

[T Robertson-Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story of 2 little girls who learn about the wonderful times a truly beautiful friendship can bring, as well as the sad times when one of the girls moves away. This would make a great gift for any child - or even an adult who is experiencing being away from a loved one. Wonderful story and fantastic illustrations!

[Chaundra Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of childhood friendship set alongside the tasty delicacy of the mango fruit. The story theme and illustrations were vivid pictures that helped to add to the imagination. Great story with a positive theme and beautiful images. I look forward to reading more stories from this author.

[Amy Mucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about friendship

We loved this story about friendship. Beautiful illustrations and the friendship is so sweet and genuine. It was fun to read with an endearing message

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of a beautiful friendship. Wonderfully illustrated!

This is a wonderful story of two friends and how their friendship endures even separation.. The illustrations are amazing! Great read aloud!

[Gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book!

Preparing books to read to my class and this will be one on the list most definitely! We are in the Caribbean and I am always looking for Caribbean authors whose books and themes are suitable for the nursery classroom

[ruby2shoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Youthful Friendship

A lovely well written illustrated book about childhood friendship between two little girl who shared their experience under a mango tree. Children will discover the friendship of Vee and Sanaa through their sharing, work, and play as well as the meaning of a long true friendship.

Highly recommended.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends

Two friends share time together under the mango tree. Repetitive verse used. My one critique, says the girls names were carved in the tree. Illustration shows initials only.

[Miss Ambitious · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is marvellous, because it depicts the value of friendship and memories. However, I was willing to find deeper dialogues between the two characters, because their friendship could teach young readers about the reality of having supportive friends

[Sydney Dierig · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute book, really enjoyed and recommend This book shows the great meaning of friendship as two girls made multiple memories under the mango tree and also shows deep feelings after the two friends are separated. also goes well in the APALA catagory

[Alexis Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about the power of friendship. Beautiful illustrations, too.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely Done

The book is nicely done with a story to remember and nicely done illustrations. The only thing I would suggest is that the author show the pronunciation of Sanaa.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mango Tree by Valdene Mark – This was a Bookbub freebie. A very sweet story about lifelong friendships! Happy Reading!

[Erik Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about friendship and how it can survive separation. Beautifully illustrated!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet as mangoes

It was a sweet story of close friendship and the changes that come along the way which make us stronger.

[Dennis Gabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under The Mango Tree

"Awesome!" I love the book because it shows how powerful friendship can be! Thank You for making this book,I really appreciate it!

[Carol Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship

A special place to grow a friendship is where under Durango tree transpires. Friendships grow and change and remain a happy part of childhood.