"The book's text and illustrations contain both beauty and grace. Recommended " -- CM Magazine " Naomi's Tree tells a heart-wrenching, but ultimately heart-warming story of loss and healing." -- International Examiner "This is a beautiful testament to friendship, and the healing power of nature. Combined with Ohi's lush pencil and watercolour illustrations - especially those of the tree in bloom - Naomi's Tree is a solid pick for all school-age picture book collections." -- Resource Links "Ohi outdoes herself with her compelling artworks. Just as our own backyard cherry trees are now setting their fruit, with harvest in perhaps a month, reading the tale of Naomi's tree is also a fruitful journey. It begins sweetly, turns sour, and is ultimately as sweet as can be." -- The Hamilton Spectator "Kogawa's story is really about the power of love and how time can bring about reconciliation and new hope.

Ruth Ohi's artwork in coloured pencil is suitably sensitive and delicate." -- Winnipeg Free Press Review of Naomi's Tree and Naomi's Road "The story of Naomi as told in these two books is a great way to introduce children to the history of Japanese Canadians. Both books are illustrated with delicately wrought images by Ruth Ohi. Naomi's Tree , in particular, carries the motif of the cherry tree and blossoms throughout the story in a subtle but reinforcing manner. Both books symbolically contain images of the older Naomi encountering the cherry tree late in her life. Fraught and difficult as life was for Naomi, she is given great strength and courage in the gifts of love she receives from her family despite the absence of her mother. She learns to battle the inherent racism of the time with patience and understanding." -- PaperTigers.

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