The Fig Tree - by Costantia Manoli (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

In The Fig Tree, war separates two sides of an island, and a solitary tree brings together two children across the divide, in this touching picture book about peace, community, and forgiveness--written by award-winning author Costantia Manoli and illustrated by Leah Giles.

On the sunny island of Cyprus, a tall and lonely fig tree stands. Her fruit ripens, yet no one comes to share it. Years of fear and division have split the island in two, leaving her in the middle, alone. She remembers the conflict that tore her people apart, but she also remembers the warm days before, when laughter and friendship knew no boundaries.

Yet, with changing seasons comes renewed hope, and the old tree dreams of a future where sharing summer's first figs might mend those broken bonds.

In this heartwarming picture book by Costantia Manoli, brought to life with Leah Giles's vibrant illustrations, the shadows of the past give way to a bright future where children put aside fear and distrust to discover that the simple act of sharing can bridge the deepest rifts.

Review Quotes

★ "The artwork is heartbreakingly beautiful, showing bright summer and the fig tree, soldiers on the ground and fires in buildings [. . .] while the writing is clear and detailed. A great narrative nonfiction [book] on a topic that is rarely discussed." --School Library Journal, starred review

"[T]his elegant narrative offers a fruitful springboard to conversations about conflict anywhere." --Kirkus

Praise for Tomatoes in My Lunchbox:

★ "[A] beautifully told and illustrated story that expresses, with sensitivity and inspired use of figurative language, a child's attempt to fit with the dominant culture--a common experience that will resonate with many readers and inspire empathy in others." --Kirkus, starred review

★ "An excellent choice for back to school and "new kid" picture book collections. This will resonate with many readers." --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "[S]ensitively articulated... [with] lushly wrought illustrations." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A comforting book for a child who may feel isolated due to an uncommon name, or for one feeling uprooted and adrift in a new place." --Horn Book Magazine

"An expressive picture book that articulates a young immigrant's viewpoint." --Booklist

A Bookstagang Future Classic Picture Books of 2022

About the Author

Costantia Manoli, award-winning author of Tomatoes in My Lunchbox, was born in the United Kingdom to Cypriot parents. She spent the picture book period of her life in London contending with a name that even she has difficulty pronouncing in English, and her middle-grade and young adult years in Cyprus, the USA and the UK. She now lives on the outskirts of a hot, dusty village in Cyprus where her two daughters, hubby, lioness-dog Luna and hyperactive doggo Woody keep her busy in a tangle of story ideas, new characters, and constant interruptions.

Leah Giles grew up outside of Toronto, Canada. From an early age, she could be found drawing pigs and superheroes in her dad's antique books. Leah now resides in a noisy little apartment in Brooklyn, NY, where she splatters paint and collages paper to create stories that celebrate joy. Leah is a fan of all things brightly bold, colorfully collaged, and radically lovely. Most of the time, she can be found with her kitten napping on her shoulder while she draws.