The Good for Nothing Tree

by Amy-Jill Levine, Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, Annie Bowler (Illustrator)

Overview

A tiny fig tree needs time to grow. But how much time? All four seasons go by . . . and there are no figs. The seasons pass again. Still no figs! Is the fig tree good for nothing?

Inspired by the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, The Good for Nothing Tree reminds us that the sweetest figs, like many other things, are worth waiting for. Not every tree—and not every child—grows at the same pace. Yet patience, care, and love can change everything, making what may appear "good for nothing" very good.

A note about the parable's New Testament origins and a recipe are included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781947888319
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	03/29/2022
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	1,087,770
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 10.87(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Amy-Jill Levine, the author of numerous acclaimed books, is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford Seminary and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita as well as Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt. She has cowritten many children's books with Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, including A Very Big Problem, Who Is My Neighbor?, The Marvelous Mustard Seed, and Who Counts?

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso is the author of many popular books for children and adults, the Director of Religion, Spirituality and the Arts Initiative at Indiana University–Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) Arts and Humanities Institute, and Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. Her children's books include The Story of AND, When God Gave Us Words, and, co-written with Amy-Jill Levine, A Very Big Problem, Who Is My Neighbor?, The Marvelous Mustard Seed, and Who Counts? For more information, visit www.allaboutand.com.

Annie Bowler is the illustrator of Walking toward Peace by Kathleen Krull and A Very Big Problem by Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Both picture books were named Junior Library Guild Selections. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, 3x3 Illustration, and the Society of Illustrators. For more information, visit www.anniebowler.com.

Editorial Reviews

"As year follows year, the children lovingly and persistently tend to their beloved tree, ultimately reaping the literal fruit of their labor. . . . Many good things take time, but this book is short and sweet." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2021-12-16
Levine and Eisenberg Sasso team up for another picture book based on the parables of Jesus, highlighting the lessons and values one can learn from observing nature.

“Once a gardener planted a fig tree,” the book begins. In this tree lies the promise of delightful shade and delicious fruit. The seasons change and the tree grows taller; but alas, it fails to come into leaf and there is no harvest to speak of. A White gardener and a group of racially diverse children keep watch. “Will the tree ever grow up?” the youngsters ask, and the gardener recommends patience. Another year goes by, but still the tree refuses to yield figs and shade. Adults begin to call the tree “good for nothing,” and even the gardener begins to wonder if they should start afresh with a new planting, but the children know the tree just needs more love and more time. As year follows year, the children lovingly and persistently tend to their beloved tree, ultimately reaping the literal fruit of their labor. Guaranteed to draw comparisons to The Giving Tree (1964), this book inverts Silverstein’s now-classic narrative by showing child protagonists giving tirelessly to an eponymous tree; however, the lesson here seems to be persistence rather than love devoid of self-interest. Though the story strays far from the biblical teaching it draws from, its themes remain scriptural and are also universal. Bowler’s illustrations invite interest with their palpable textures and impressionistic lights and shadows.

Many good things take time, but this book is short and sweet. (authors’ note, recipe) (Religious picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews