Under the Baobab Tree
Author: Julie Stiegemeyer
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Published: 2012
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 978-0-310-72561-9
Pages: 32
Illustrations: full page illustrations
Text density: 2-5 sentences per page spread
Age: 3 and older
Summary: Under the Baobab Tree
In lyrical prose, Stiegemeyer follows two African children Moyo and Japera as they walk a dusty road from their village to the baobab tree. The children pass savanna wildlife in their journey, and the village life that daily mingles around “the tree of life” is vividly displayed. But, “who will gather today under the baobab tree?”
Then, Moyo sees the giant baobab.
Ten children with arms wide open couldn’t circle it. The old tree looks upside down; its gnarled branches, like roots, brush against the heavens.
But, who will gather today under the baobab tree?
Stiegemeyer’s answer: a Christian worship service without elaborate architecture or instrumentation, simple yet beautiful.
Illustrations: Under the Baobab Tree
E.B. Lewis’s watercolors imaginatively depict the villagers, wildlife, and African landscapes. His illustrations of the people gathering to worship were particularly enjoyable with varied bright hues of clothing.
Comments: Under the Baobab Tree
I loved the simplicity and beauty of this picture book. Not only will children enjoy the illustrations and poetic writing, but they will imagine how church may look different and yet be similar in a unfamiliar ethnic context. The front page also contains additional information about the baobab tree for curious parents and children.
Other Reviews of Under the Baobab Tree:
Kirkus Review
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Related Resources:
Julie Stiegemeyer’s Facebook Fan Page
Julie Stiegemeyer’s website
Other books by Julie Stiegemeyer
E.B. Lewis’s website
Other books by E.B. Lewis (a few books may be pulled by the search engine that should not be in this list)
Other books about the baobab tree
Additional information about the baobab tree
