Jean E. Pendziwol’s newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope.
The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes — sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring.
Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
Jean E. Pendziwol’s newest picture book is a lyrical meditation on nature and hope.
The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes — sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring.
Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature. Her poem, beautifully illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a study in contrasts and a message of the hope that carries us through the year and through our lives.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Sep 1, 2020 |
| Specifications | 32 pages | 10.625 in x 8.875 in |
| Keywords | optimism; imagination; hopeful; perseverance and determination; poetry; seasons; nature; uncertainty; appreciation; courage; positive attitude; figurative language; personification; simile; child as narrator; first person narration; poetic language; metaphors; imagery; determining importance; connecting; Common Core aligned; CC Literature Key Ideas and Details; CC Literature Craft and Structure; CC Literature Integration of Knowledge and Ideas; grade one; kindergarten; picture book; gift book; |
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Supporting Resources
(select item to download) |
Teacher's Guide |
| Written By |
JEAN E. PENDZIWOL’S highly acclaimed picture books include When I Listen to Silence, illustrated by Carmen Mok; I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nathalie Dion; Me and You and the Red Canoe, illustrated by Phil; and Once Upon a Northern Night, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award). She lives in Northwestern Ontario on the shores of Lake Superior. |
| Illustrated by |
NATHALIE DION is an illustrator living in Montreal who studied Design Arts at Concordia University. Her other children's books include I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol, The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee and What's in Your Purse? by Abigail Samoun. Nathalie has received a number of awards for her illustration and has exhibited her work in Montreal galleries. |
| Written By |
|
JEAN E. PENDZIWOL’S highly acclaimed picture books include When I Listen to Silence, illustrated by Carmen Mok; I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nathalie Dion; Me and You and the Red Canoe, illustrated by Phil; and Once Upon a Northern Night, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award). She lives in Northwestern Ontario on the shores of Lake Superior. |
| Illustrated by |
|
NATHALIE DION is an illustrator living in Montreal who studied Design Arts at Concordia University. Her other children's books include I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol, The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee and What's in Your Purse? by Abigail Samoun. Nathalie has received a number of awards for her illustration and has exhibited her work in Montreal galleries. |
| Audience | ages 3 to 7 / grades P to 2 |
| Reading Levels |
Fountas & Pinnel Text Level M
Guided Reading M |
| Common Core |
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2 |
Long-listed, World Illustration Award, 2020
Winner, 3x3 International Illustration Annual Merit Award, 2020
Commended, Globe 100 Favourite Books, 2020
Commended, 49th Shelf Canadian Books of the Year, 2020
Along with Pendziwol’s poetic text, Dion’s illustrations shimmer with hope.
” —Globe and Mail[T]he text is poetic and the artwork is riveting.
” —PostmediaPlay can be more than activity. It can be in the soul that sees beyond the doing, the now, the ephemeral. It can be in the hope of possibilities and Jean E. Pendziwol and Nathalie Dion help us see this in I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree.
” —CanLit for LittleCanadiansThe gentle artwork guides readers through scenes of peacefulness and being alone in nature. Comfort abounds.
” —Sal’s Fiction Addiction BlogPraise for author Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrator Nathalie Dion for I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree:
Longlisted World Illustration Award,2020
Winner 3x3 International Illustration Annual Merit Award, 2020
Globe 100 Favourite Books of 2020
49th Shelf Canadian Books of the Year, 2020
OLA Best Bets Honourable Mention, 2020
“Textured canvases overlaid with soft pastels and cool earth tones create a dreamy, tranquil atmosphere, mirroring the quiet wonder of the text. … An ode to solitude and nature, this picture book provides comforting certitude in current times of uncertainty.” — Kirkus Reviews
“[T]he text throughout creates a contemplative space for savoring lyrical language and reflecting on painterly, softly textured, striking art.” — Horn Book
“Along with Pendziwol’s poetic text, Dion’s illustrations shimmer with hope.” — Globe and Mail
"[T]he text is poetic and the artwork is riveting." — Postmedia
“I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree tells a simple, yet beautiful, story about dealing with fears in a constructive way and thinking about the future with hope.” — CM Review of Materials
“The appearance of this book is a shining jewel in our troubled times. Highly recommended.” — The Chronicle-Journal
“Pendziwol’s writing is simply sublime. … Dion’s charming illustrations, a mix of traditional and digital paintings cut, transformed and placed in Photoshop, comple-ment the text to perfection.” — Canadian Children’s Book News
"Play can be more than activity. It can be in the soul that sees beyond the doing, the now, the ephemeral. It can be in the hope of possibilities and Jean E. Pendziwol and Nathalie Dion help us see this in I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree." — CanLit for LittleCanadians
“Jean E. Pendziwol has written a layered, lyrical exploration of the hardships and beauties of nature.” — 49th Shelf Blog
“Jean E. Pendziwol has written a dream of a book with I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree.” — Pickle Me This Blog
“The gentle artwork guides readers through scenes of peacefulness and being alone in nature. Comfort abounds.” — Sal’s Fiction Addiction Blog
“[A] lovely story of winter.” — The International Educator Blog
Praise for author Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrator Phil for Me and You and the Red Canoe:
“Evocative, lyrical, perfect.” — Kirkus, starred review
“A true gem that invites contemplation and reflection in children, who are often too busy to notice the beauty of everyday life.” — School Library Journal, starred review
Praise for author Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrator Isabelle Arsenault for Once Upon a Northern Night:
“A beautiful, lyrical celebration of northern light and night.” — Kirkus, starred review
“A reverent ode to the magic and wonder of an icy winter night.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“This is a lovely wintry bedtime story, best for sharing one-on-one.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“A sweet and lovely tale of the magic of waking up to a world transformed by winter.” — Booklist, starred review
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