The Shade Tree Book Review

 

The Shade Tree by Suzy Lee









1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lee, S. (2023). THE SHADE TREE. Greystone Books Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-77840-018-6


2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This Korean folktale tells the story of a traveling man who buys the shade of a tree wherever it lands from a rich owner. He shares his purchase with other travelers, much to the dismay of the rich man.  


 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The main characters are a traveler and a rich man who owns the land of the shade tree. The secondary characters are villagers and other travelers. None of the characters have distinct features but are rather drawn as silhouettes. The travelers and villagers interact with each other and the traveler in positive ways under the shade of the tree. There is a definite protagonist and antagonist in this folktale. 

Although not apparent to the reader the specific country of origin, clues in the pictures show an Asian descent. The homes, walls, clothing outlines, hats, and hair are drawn in the fashion of Asia. This story is set a long time ago, as is evident in the style of the clothing on the people’s silhouettes. Also, there are no cars or other technologies shown. The traveling man pays in coins as well. The tree and the shade provided change colors through the pages and are impactful. 

The tree and its shade represent the rest and peace that we need. I think this story translates through time as we all need to slow down and enjoy nature and quiet times. 

This Korean folktale is simple and light-hearted. The reader understands that the traveler has outsmarted the rich man and roots for victory. Unity and kindness are what the traveler conveys. Between the simple text and simple yet impactful illustrations, this book will be enjoyed by all ages and backgrounds. 


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

  • Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 09/01/23

  • Kirkus Reviews starred, 08/01/23

  • School Library Journal, 11/01/23

Full-Text Reviews
Kirkus Reviews starred (August 1, 2023)

A traveler attempts to rest in the shade of a tree. The traveler, along with several villagers, is soon driven off when the rich man who owns the land the tree sits on demands they leave his property. The traveler makes a deal with the rich man. Parting with all his money, he purchases the right to sit in the tree’s shadow wherever it may land for as long as he wants. The rich man believes he’s made some easy money, but as the day lengthens, so does the tree’s shadow, allowing the traveler to reach unexpected places. Eventually he gets the better of the rich man and finds a way to allow all the villagers to share in his happiness. Abstract backgrounds and characters presented as silhouettes meld with the narrative, a retelling of a Korean folktale, to create a fairy tale–like mood. The eponymous tree features in nearly every illustration, and clever layouts and a dramatic gatefold demonstrate the true extent of its shade as the day goes on, making for a stunning dusk scene as the traveler literally dances along the shadow’s length. The soothing cadence of the story paired with the simple but beautiful illustrations and amusing ending make for a calming and satisfying read, translated from Korean and reformatted for a North American audience. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gorgeous fable celebrating generosity and wit. (Picture book. 4-8)


  • 5. CONNECTIONS

Related Books:


Mello, R. (2017). YOU CAN’T BE TOO CAREFUL. Elsewhere Publications. ISBN: 978-0-914671-64-0

Daemicke, S. (2016). A CASE OF SENSE. Arbordale Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-51811-258-4

Duchesne, C. (2019). BON VOYAGE, MISTER RODRIGUEZ. Pajama Press.                         ISBN: 978-1-77278-089-5

Munsch, R. (2022). PLAYHOUSE. Scholastic Canada Ltd. ISBN: 978-0-439-98959-6

Activities:


Read other countries’ fables and fairy tales and make a Venn Diagram






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