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THE OLD MANGO TREE by Lisa Fay

THE OLD MANGO TREE

by Lisa Fay ; illustrated by J.E. Corbett


Beneath an old mango tree, a young child finds that the view is best when shared with friends.

Fay’s children’s book, beautifully illustrated by Corbett, pairs gentle rhymes with vibrant images to celebrate the unique qualities of every child and spark a love of nature in young readers. A young girl named Kairi, portrayed with brown skin and long brown hair, slips out her bedroom window to commune with nature. Along the way, she tells a tree, a hummingbird, and a rainbow how her long legs (“I can run, jump, skip, and hop, / With these...I’ll never stop!”), strong arms (“I’m a climber in my land of dreams”), and vivid imagination (which she says “makes me free”) shape who she is. Through a lens of wonder, the story weaves in ideas of self-acceptance, friendship, and joy. Fay’s text is rich with sensory details—including the warmth of the sun, the rustling of leaves, and the flutter of a hummingbird (“With wings like a shimmer, and heart full of grace / She played with the wind in their quiet space”)—which makes each page come alive. Young readers will remain engaged with Corbett’s illustrations, which complement the playful story with warm colors. With its poetic structure, it’s an ideal read-aloud for home or school. The gentle repetition of the phrase “This is me” invites children to join in, build confidence, and learn to appreciate their individuality. The imagery and color scheme show Caribbean and Latin American influences throughout. Overall, the book will encourage children to take pride in who they are and develop a greater appreciation for the great outdoors.

A companionable and whimsical reminder of the importance of embracing one’s distinctiveness.