Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
Picture books aren’t just for children. Picture books are for grown-ups too! Listen in as we speak with picture book authors, illustrators, and enthusiasts about how these stories contribute to human thriving. Discover how picture books can affirm our experiences, introduce us to new perspectives, serve as conversation starters, foster meaningful reflection, and give us words to make sense of the world! Ultimately, you’re never too old for a great picture book AND these tiny tales can lead to big connection! Join us for the journey, and discover something that might contribute to YOUR thriving.
Picture Books Are for Grown-Ups Too!
S2E5 | Marie Tang and 'Baba’s Peach Tree'
“We know how much meaning and growth we can gain by putting things out into the world, such as gratitude.” –Marie Tang
Today we’re talking about gratitude and appreciation for what was and expressing gratitude to previous generations for sacrifices they made.
Today’s Picture Book: Baba’s Peach Tree by Marie Tang and illustrated by Seo Kim
Marie Tang was born in Hong Kong, raised in New York City, and was a resident of Shanghai for over a decade. The unique characters and neon lights of the “Big City” have been an ever-present source of inspiration for her. She proudly tells tales of the grit, tenacity, and compassion of the Asian people.
Book Description: Behind their old stone house, Tao Hua and her father, Baba, discover good fortune: a peach tree. Baba prunes and tends to the tree. He calls it a blessing, like good shoes, hot rice, and books. And for a long time, the peach tree offers them fruit and hope for a better life. But time passes, and so do the seasons, and, one day, the tree does not blossom. But life blossoms in a different way when Baba comes home and announces that he got a job in the Big City, where there are good schools and opportunities. And so the seasons pass, and, one day, when Baba is very old, he and his daughter return to their old home and to new peach trees–to old memories and new beginnings.
Please consider supporting your local independent booksellers by purchasing Baba’s Peach Tree. Find a store here: https://www.indiebound.org/
Other mentions in this episode:
Yuna's Cardboard Castles by Marie Tang and illustrated by Jieting Chen
The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Questions/Activities for further engagement based on the discussion:
1. How can I express a note of gratitude to those who came before me?
2. Write down a note of appreciation
3. Consider learning the language of previous generations if you don’t know it
4. Consider giving Baba’s Peach Tree a book to someone and sharing that you recognize what that person has done for you.
5. Ask someone about their experiences, what did they felt when they were living somewhere else, was it difficult moving, etc.?
Find Marie:
Website: www.marie-tang.com
Instagram: @marietangauthor
____________________
Ripening Time, Patrice's 2nd picture book, releases April 22, 2025. Order your copy from your local bookstore or one of Patrice's local bookstores!
Also, please visit the podcast’s bookshop.org page for a complete list of books discussed!
.png)