The Shade Tree

More about the book

From the extraordinary Hans Christian Andersen award winner Suzy Lee comes a funny, original "folk tale" about how a young traveler outwits a rich, selfish man to ensure that villagers will always be able to rest in the shade of a magnificent tree. Villagers like to come to rest and cool down in the shade of a huge, old tree. But when a young traveler decides to join them one day, a rich man on whose land the tree stands demands they leave because he owns the tree and therefore its shade. Thinking fast, the traveler strikes a deal: one that will enable him to outsmart the rich man--and ensure that the villagers will always have access to the shade tree's shade, wherever it may fall. With simple, elegant illustrations, The Shade Tree is a striking story about one person's quest to combat greed for the greater good.