Beaming Books

The Tree of Hope

The Miraculous Rescue of Puerto Rico’s Beloved Banyan

The Tree of Hope

The Miraculous Rescue of Puerto Rico’s Beloved Banyan

$18.99
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The true story of a beloved banyan tree and a community that fought to save it in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

On the tropical island of Puerto Rico, there was an ancient banyan tree. His enormous twisted trunk rose up beside the San Juan Gate. Long roots hung from his wide-spreading branches and his emerald, leafy crown greeted all who passed by. This beloved tree stood on the shore of the island for over a hundred years--until the fateful time when the biggest hurricane in Puerto Rico's history slammed into the island, devastating communities and uprooting that very tree.

This lushly illustrated and evocatively written picture book tells the story of the majestic jagüey blanco, one of the most beloved trees in the city of Old San Juan. Puerto Rican author Anna Orenstein-Cardona weaves an epic tale based on the true story of this bearded watchdog of the island, how the tree was impacted by Hurricane Maria, and how a group of people rallied together to save it. With gorgeous illustrations by Juan Manuel Moreno, this picture book serves as an account of the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria and the strength of the people who continue to rebuild to this day.

Download the free The Tree of Hope educator’s guide for kids to continue learning about hurricanes and Puerto Rico’s beloved Banyan. This guide is also available in Spanish.

Reviews

"A powerful debut picture book about community, the determination of the Puerto Rican people, and a majestic and resilient tree. Purchase for all picture book collections."

School Library Journal, starred review 

Product Info

  • Format Hardcover
  • ISBN 9781506484099
  • eBook ISBN 9781506484105
  • Age Preschool (3-5 years); Early Grades (5-8 years)
  • Dimensions 8.75 x 11.25
  • Pages 40
  • Publication Date August 23, 2022
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