The Cherry Tree

Hope springs eternal--even in the dark aftermath of war--as seen in this picture book. After bombs have destroyed their Japanese village and killed their father, Taichi and Yumiko's broken-hearted mother must go to town and earn money shining shoes. Left to play outdoors each day, the children encounter an old man tending a brittle, dead-looking cherry tree. They help care for the tree through the harsh winter, and despite the old man's doubts, their vigilance pays off--the resulting pink blossoms rekindle the spirits of the entire village. As in The Snow Country Prince , their previous collaboration, Ikeda and Wildsmith present a tender story about the rewards of kindness. Ikeda's quiet text is infused with the innocence and curiosity embodied in his child protagonists; his message is fundamental without being didactic. Wildsmith's airy watercolors depict a Japanese countryside in the process of rebirth--indigenous animals, plants and native people in brilliant garb all come to life. A spread showing the cherry tree in its full flowering glory is breathtaking. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)