Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Published by Salaam Reads on May 30, 2023
Genres: Picture Book
Pages: 3
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
At his new school, quiet Rumi feels small and unwelcome, and a few kids bully him for being different and wearing bright shoes. He finds refuge beneath the old willow tree by the playground and builds his own world of hope and dreams of belonging.
One day, when Rumi is made a target again, one of his classmates bravely steps in to defend him. It’s in that moment of solidarity Rumi’s class finally realizes that under the shade of the willow tree, all are welcome, and they create a space they can all play in—together.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Together Tree is a beautiful story that portrays how kids can extend kindness to others through presence.
In the Author’s Note, Aisha (the author) shares how her son was bullied because of his reserved nature and the color of his skin. The day after her son finally told her what was happening, Aisha visited his school during recess. She observed the bullying, but also how the other children looked on. Despite their concern they didn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. Acts of intolerance happy frequently from coast to coast, with adults and children alike succumbing to the bystander effect and waiting for someone else to take action. In The Together Tree, Aisha shares what children can do when they see acts of intolerance (in addition to telling a trusted adult): reach out to the person who is hurting and offer presence.
Han represents the concerned bystander who can see that something is wrong: Asher is saying mean things to Rumi, and Rumi doesn’t look happy about it. But Han lacks the tools to know how to respond, so he simply observes. I think that many readers, no matter their age, will relate to Han. We observe social injustices and unkind acts, we know that something is wrong, but we don’t know what steps to take to correct it. We may even wish that someone else would act for us. Only after Asher takes things too far—and no one else intervenes—does Han snap out of his state of paralysis.
Here, Aisha offers a solution: Han (and we the reader) can reach out to the one who is hurting and offer our presence. That simple act makes a huge difference. By offering presence, Han begins the healing process—for Rumi, for Asher, for the entire class. The other children talk to Rumi and join the safe space that Han and Rumi have created together. Even Asher receives a second chance (after apologizing to Rumi).
I love the symbolic imagery of the willow tree with its outstretched branches providing a safe space: first, for Rumi in his loneliness and hurt, and later for the children as they come together. The joyful doodles—hearts, butterflies, rainbows—add a lovely touch that communicates the children’s joy and peace when they play together. LeUyen Pham is a talented artist. She has beautifully rendered the children’s emotions and the ambiance of the story. It is always a pleasure to watch her art bring a story to life.
I will be sharing this book with young readers and adult friends alike!
Discussion Questions
Where do you see acts of intolerance? What can you do about it today?
Who is someone in your life who may need the gift of presence?
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