It’s easy for children to feel as if they are “good for nothing” because they do not commonly make as significant of societal contributions like adults. Sometimes, forgotten in a Christian, technological culture is that care and nurture are required for all things to bloom. This book, based on one of Jesus’ parables from Luke 13.6-9, reminds us all – children and adults alike – of the value of love so that things can grow.
Levine and Sasso, interestingly, are both Jewish and culturally relate to this parable in a way that many Christians might not. I have known of Levine’s work as a New Testament scholar for some time, and her academic research focuses on the Jewish culture during New Testament times. I am happy to discover that she also writes children’s books!
Bowler’s illustrations in this book are clear and receive my ten-year-old daughter’s seal of approval. Through vivid colors and relatable characters, they bring the story to life and allow all readers to reimagine the meaning behind this ancient text. Sometimes, love and nurture can seem far away from us all in the midst of argument, politics, and strife. Levine and Sasso remind us of its eternal value to both trees and humans.
The Good for Nothing Tree
By Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Esenberg Sasso
Illustrated by Annie Bowler
Copyright (c) 2022
Flyaway Books
ISBN13 9781947888319
Page Count: 40
Genre: Children’s, Religious
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