This book is about a tree but it’s also about having patience. A gardener plants a fig tree and tells everybody it takes time. Then one summer goes by then two summers and still no figs. The gardener wants to replace the tree, but the children say no the tree just needs love which they give it for another year or two or three until eventually the tree produces figs and becomes shade. The kids always knew it just took patience. The story is lovely and sweet. The illustrations are not my favorite, but they did grow on me by the end of the book. I do wish the cover was changed to one of the inside pictures that looks more complete. The current cover seems like a fast slap together. ( )

I received this ARC as part of the Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. This was a sweet story about a Fig tree that need time and love to grow into it's full potential. Based on a parable from the Gospel of Luke, it is a quick simple way to teach children the importance of patience and love, and that each one is different.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to sharing with my nephews. ( )

This is a unique little book about patience, determination, care, and love. The students will love the illustrations. The fact that it was inspired by the parable of the barren fig tree from the Bible makes it a welcome addition to our collection for young children. It even comes with a recipe! Parents and teachers will enjoy sharing this in their home and classroom.

Thank you, Flyaway Books, for giving us this free copy.
Augustine School Library ( )

It’s easy for children to feel as if they are “good for nothing” because they do not commonly make as significant of societal contributions like adults. Sometimes, forgotten in a Christian, technological culture is that care, and nurture are required for all things to bloom. This book, based on one of Jesus’ parables from Luke 13.6-9, reminds us all – children and adults alike – of the value of love so that things can grow.

Levine and Sasso, interestingly, are both Jewish and culturally relate to this parable in a way that many Christians might not. I have known of Levine’s work as a New Testament scholar for some time, and her academic research focuses on the Jewish culture during New Testament times. I am happy to discover that she also writes children’s books!

Bowler’s illustrations in this book are clear and receive my ten-year-old daughter’s seal of approval. Through vivid colors and relatable characters, they bring the story to life and allow all readers to reimagine the meaning behind this ancient text. Sometimes, love and nurture can seem far away from us all in the midst of argument, politics, and strife. Levine and Sasso remind us of its eternal value to both trees and humans. ( )

Overall, this is a nice picture book with a good message about patience and perseverance. A gardener and some children plant a small fig tree that takes several years to bear fruit. Even though the adults give up on the tree, the children (who don't really age for some reason) keep taking good care of it until it finally produces sweet, juicy figs. It's a quiet book and there's a recipe for fig balls at the end :) ( )