May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Last week we shared a book about a Chinese American who fought for her right to go to school. This week we are sharing a new picture book (released today) about a father and daughter in rural China. It is Baba's Peach Tree by Marie Tang and illustrated by Seo Kim. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
In this moving picture book, a migrant worker and his daughter, find good fortune in the form of a peach tree growing behind their house in rural China. Filled with stunning illustrations, this is a unique and poignant story about love, perseverance, and family.Behind their old stone house, Tao Hua and her father, Baba, discover good fortune: a peach tree. Baba prunes and tends to the tree. He calls it a blessing, like good shoes, hot rice, and books. And for a long time, the peach tree offers them fruit and hope for a better life. But time passes, and so do the seasons, and, one day, the tree does not blossom.
But life blossoms in a different way when Baba comes home and announces that he got a job in the Big City, where there are good schools and opportunities. And so the seasons pass, and, one day, when Baba is very old, he and his daughter return to their old home and to new peach trees--to old memories and new beginnings.
Baba’s Peach Tree is a story of the dreams we dream and the sacrifices we make as seen through the lens of a migrant family.
From Me:
This is a sweet book about a migrant worker in rural China and his daughter, Tao Hau. They have a peach tree in their back yard and Baba (the father) calls it a blessing. He says they are lucky to have it. He sells the peaches but always saves the best one for Tao Hau. She plants the pits behind the shed. Then one year the peach tree stops flowering. After time they move to the city, and Tao Hau finds a very different life in the city. When Baba grows old Tao Hau takes him back to the house with the peach tree. They discover a beautiful orchard from all the pits she planted.
The early days seem full of childhood dreams. Tao Hau loved the freedom of the land. She loved playing in the fields. She also loved the peaches and how delicious they are. Baba has dreams of caring for his daughter and having the means to do it well. This book is about dreams and love for family. It is sweet and the illustrations are beautiful.
They each make sacrifices for each other but show their love. Although it takes place in China it could be anywhere. It shares a bit of beliefs of Chinese culture. The blessings and luck. The story is sweet and can bring discussions about dreams, family and sacrifices. I can see it read at home or in a classroom. It shares a bit about family and a bit about Chinese culture. I hope you will check it out.
