I Have an Olive Tree

By Eve Bunting

Book Overview

The day I was seven, my grandfather gave me and olive tree... At first, Sophia thinks the tree is an odd gift, but when Grandfather dies and her mother travel to Greece to see the tree, she discovers that what he discovers that what he has given her is far greater than she'd ever imagined. A testimony to the wondrous ties of family and heritage, this glorious picture book brings together the beautiful writing of acclaimed author Eve Bunting and the exuberant paintings of artist Karen Barbour.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060275731
• ISBN13: 9780060275730
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The ties that bind

Eve Bunting has a wonderful gift of capturing the meaning of life for children young and old. She is truly a master storyteller. I love this book and give it frequently as a gift. It is a perfect way to remind the receiver of the ties that bind and cross all barriers of language and distance. After the devastation of her village in World War II, my Mother planted an almond grove in the hills of her village in Greece where she was born. I promised her that I would visit her grove one day. When I did, I felt a connection and less heart ache, now that she is no longer with us. I now know she comes alive every spring when the blossoms perfume the air in Vitoli. This is a book that is not just for Greeks, but for all grandparents to show the ties that bind (even when they are no longer with us).Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship

Passing to another generation:

This book is a must for any pappous(grandpa) who is Greek, to read to their grandchild. The book conveys a Greek's simple yet basic connection to a never forgotten home land. This is my third copy of this book. Yes, they go to the grandchildren.

This book brought me to tears

I am originaly from Greece and I loved this book. There is no better way to demonstrate the love of family and heritage than from the eyes of a child. The olive tree is one of the most powerful symbols of the Greek culture. Under the warm mediteranean sun, its products have provided the foundation of the Greek diet for thousands of years. It has a very special place in the heart of every Greek. If you are Greek you may cry when reading this book. If you are not Greek you will definitely be touched. Besides the beautiful story the illustrations are beautiful, extremely well done. If you want to give a present to a Greek, of any age, I can thing of nothing better than this book. By the way, I planted my olive tree when I was six years old and I plan to show it to my child as soon as he is old enough to understand.

Beautiful symbolism

I Have an Olive Tree is a simplistic yet poignant childrens' book about the symbolism of family and love. I use it in my fourth grade class to discuss culture and families. The illustrations are also powerful and upbeat. I am buying several to give as gifts!