My Tree by Hope Lim

Abstract

Reviewed by: My Tree by Hope Lim Natalie Berglind Lim, Hope My Tree; illus. by Il Sung Na. Porter/Holiday House, 2021 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780823443383 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780823450558 $11.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs After moving from Korea to America, a little boy takes comfort in the plum tree outside his new house that reminds him of a persimmon tree back home, and he dubs it “Plumee.” Plumee (“tall, crooked, quiet”) is there for the boy when he’s homesick throughout every season, until a storm knocks it down. The boy gets some use out of the fallen tree, imagining it’s a tree house, a rocket, and a pirate ship, until it’s taken away. The family then plants a new young plum tree, and the boy learns to find the same solace in its tranquil branches. The lyrical text of this book would make for an enchanting readaloud, and it pairs well with Na’s dreamy digital art with its scratchy textures and off-color palette, depicting the plum tree with gorgeous pink wood and dotting purples and yellows into nature to great effect. While this story is likely to resonate particularly well with immigrant viewers, any kid experiencing big change will relate to the boy reaching out for something familiar. Copyright © 2021 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois