I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree

Jean E. Pendziwol's newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope.

The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes -- sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring.

Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Jean E. Pendziwol has published several highly acclaimed picture books, including Me and You and the Red Canoe, illustrated by Phil; and Once Upon a Northern Night, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award and the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. Jean's debut adult novel, The Lightkeeper's Daughters, was published in more than ten languages. Jean finds inspiration in the rich history, culture and geography of Northwestern Ontario, where she lives with a view of Lake Superior.

Nathalie Dion is a freelance illustrator based in Montreal. She studied Design Arts at Concordia University. Her other books include The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee, What's in Your Purse by Abigail Samoun and the Urban Babies Wear Black series by Michelle Sinclair Colman.