JULIE AND THE MANGO TREE

Prepare to crave mangoes.

Julie, a young Jamaican girl, is on a quest to convince her favorite mango tree to share its delicious fruit with her. Papa isn’t here to use his ladder to climb up and pick some. So Julie tries asking the tree, then climbing it. She even attempts a trade: “Four June plums for just one mango.” Nothing works, not even singing to it. Finally, Julie decides on a new approach: gentle encouragement and patience. She gives the sturdy tree a hug and then waits. That evening turns windy, and the next day brings thunder and rain. But Julie discovers the following day that something miraculous has happened. There are now mangoes all over the ground…and in fact, there are too many for Julie to eat by herself. Remembering how sad she felt when she couldn’t reach the mangoes, she decides to share the fruit with the rest of her diverse community. Smith’s story is sweet and infused with joy. Filled with energy and movement, Ramdial’s expressive, vibrant images pop with color, especially in an illustration of Julie biting into a mango dripping with juice. It’s impossible to read this tale and not end up wanting a delicious mango treat—readers will be pleased at the inclusion of recipes for mango smoothies, salad, and juice. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A mouthwatering reminder that everything is tastier when it’s shared.