A story about gratitude and giving back
Themes: Gratitude, giving back, growing up, community, kindness
In a small village, a little boy loves a very old banyan tree and asks her to give him the things he desires. But the banyan tree knows that granting wishes is not the answer, and that gaining skills is a greater gift, so she encourages him to learn how to do things for himself.
With lush illustrations celebrating the landscape of an Indian village, and universal wisdom on every page, The Boy and the Banyan Tree has the makings of a modern classic. Age/Grade:3-8 years/Grades K-3 Formats: Hardcover Page Count: 32 pages ISBN:
Hardcover: 9781443190008
Nominations and Awards:
Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre 2024, Commended
CBC Reads 2023
Reviews:
"No shade to Shel Silverstein but The Giving Tree is a book that needs to find a place at the back of the bookshelf to make room for this new and improved version of a tree story. I love how Mahtab Narsimhan has taken inspiration from a classic and beloved book and has updated it for a new generation of readers. In this story, the banyan tree does not have to sacrifice herself for the needs of the boy. She doesn’t have to give all of herself just to make him happy. Instead she lovingly guides him to make his own decisions and to help himself when he is in need and in turn the boy knows how to pay it forward. In a world sometimes constantly filled with hate, this book is a balm of kindness."
-Storytime with Stephanie
"The Boy and the Banyan Tree by Mahtab Narsimhan, illustrated by Dharmali Patel, is a lovely tribute to nurturing, kindness and giving back to those in need, and to caregivers.Narsimhan’s understated text is complemented by luminous illustrations. A perfect addition to family and school libraries with an important message and broad cultural appeal."
- Amazon Reviewer
"A kind-hearted tale beautifully told with rich, engaging illustrations. Facts about banyan trees complement the story"
- K. Krossing
"
This beautifully written and illustrated story should be on every child's bookshelf. I love that the things the boy receives go beyond the one-sidedness of providing him with shelter, food and enjoyment. Instead, he discovers that the full joy in a relationship comes not from simply taking, but in the gratitude, mutual caring, and a desire to give back.
An excellent choice for classroom discussions that foster personal growth in our youngsters. " - Amazon Reviewer "In this lovely story a boy’s special bond with a banyan tree serves as a metaphor for acknowledging the people in our lives who support and shape us. A heart-warming story that gently reminds us of the timeless value of gratitude and reflection." - Sue Macartney
An excellent choice for classroom discussions that foster personal growth in our youngsters. " - Amazon Reviewer "In this lovely story a boy’s special bond with a banyan tree serves as a metaphor for acknowledging the people in our lives who support and shape us. A heart-warming story that gently reminds us of the timeless value of gratitude and reflection." - Sue Macartney
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