The Olive Tree

Georgene Freedman
Simpatico Books (2005)
ISBN 09771320X
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Esther wanted a baby of her own.  But alas her nest was empty.  She decided to make her home in a beautiful garden “called Gethsemane.”   Esther spotted a beautiful nest in the top of an olive tree.  Curiously she peeked in the nest and found a perfect egg.  “Esther waited, never leaving the olive tree; not even to eat.”  The owner of the nest didn’t return.  Esther knew that an egg had to stay warm to hatch.  She also knew that a mother “would never leave her egg for so long.”  Devotedly Esther sat on the egg. 

One morning the egg began to hatch.  “Out poked the head of the most enchanting baby dove.  The tiny, precious dove was pure white.  Ester named the baby Lovey.  Esther was a good mother to the baby.  Lovey had a special gift; she had a “peaceful” coo.

When Esther is captured in a net and taken to a temple.  Lovey was very sad and scared to be left alone.  Lovey was so sad that she barely ate and wouldn’t coo.  The wise olive tree knew that Lovey must leave the garden.  Lovey flew to a town called Bethlehem where she built her nest in the rafters of a stable.  Lovey was there when the Holy Child was born and it made her coo again. 

Lovey returned to her “beloved olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane where she was born.”  The tree was very happy that Lovey had returned.  One night the man that was baby that Lovey had seen the stable came to pray in the Garden.  Lovey cooed for him and soothed him.

“The Olive Tree” by Georgene Freedman is an enchanting story that will teach children about what it means to sacrifice.  This is a delightful book.  The illustrations by Joan Keefer-Bowden are beautiful and lend much to the story.  The plot flows smoothly, telling the story that blends with Christian beliefs.  I intend to share this one with my grandchildren and to recommend it to all of my friends.  It is with great honor that I recommend this book to parents, grandparents and Christians that work with children.

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