A vibrant reminder of the beauty of the world around us and of the fact that, like Anna, with hope you can face any battle!
Words from the author
“Some would say hope is something children need a lot of these days, in light of world events and concerns. A psychologist, C.R. Snyder, wrote that hope is a way of thinking, rather than just an emotion. It is something that people can work to develop, and we can potentially train our minds to be hopeful.”
– Wenda Shurety
Symbolism of the pear
In many parts of the world, the pear symbolises the human heart because of its similar shape. The ancient Chinese believed that the pear was a symbol of immortality and that the pear tree symbolised long life and good fortune. Similarly, in Christianity the pear tree is said to symbolise the promise of eternal life. In Korea, the pear tree is a symbol of comfort and is said to give wisdom and health.
A Message of Hope
This book explores the topic of illness in a gentle, positive way that will be a comfort to any children struggling with this difficult journey and a valuable resource for their parents, carers, educators, counsellors and medical staff. With gentle prose and beautiful images, this book is also celebration of nature, its beauty, and connection between its health and ours.
“Author Wenda Shurety wrote Pear of Hope because as someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, hope has instrumental in her healing process” Click here to read
The Space magazine (ECC)
This is a simple story with sweet illustrations detailing a pear tree at the bottom of Anna’s garden.
When she becomes very sick, she plants a new seedling and we get to watch her and the seed bloom into health together.
A sweet book about hope.
“Told through sensitive words, the gentle story will inspire and comfort children, regardless of their journey. It is a great introduction to building a positive outlook in the face of struggle, or as the buzzword in education would put it, resilience.
Pear of Hope will be an invaluable resource for educators, carers, and those in the medical profession. But it will also be of value to parents. The message is universal. Children face transitions and challenges of all sorts throughout their early years, Pear of Hope will provide comfort and inspiration to all.” Click here for the full review.
Blue Wolf Reviews
“Delicately created to allow discussion to occur about some of the seriously troubling issues of illness, life and hope, Pear of Hope uses the pear tree and the pear, a symbol of so many things in varying cultures, all underscoring immortality, life, good fortune and wisdom and health.” Click here for the full review.
Dim’s Write Stuff
“Utterly exquisite and inspiring, Pear of Hope is a beautifully crafted tale capable of uplifting and guiding children through confusing and daunting experiences not least of which serious illness.” Click here for the full review.
Love Four Learning
“deals with a diagnosis of childhood cancer so sensitively and evocatively. Yet despite its sad subject matter it’s overwhelmingly a story of hope.”
Can you Tell Me A Story
“a thoughtful and gentle exploration of the profound impact of childhood illness. … such a beautiful and hopeful story.”
School Days Magazine
“A lovely picture book for emerging readers showing positivity and that when facing difficult circumstances” Click here for the full review.
The Bottom Shelf
“While some of our students may be in Anna’s particular situation, there are many more who are facing other challenges and who need the reassurance that time will pass, and like the pear tree, they will prevail. So this is one to share and talk about so each can take what they need from it” Click here for the full review.
Mo Moe Picture Book
“The considerate story encourages both children and adults who suffer from illnesses or who face challenges in life, to stay hopeful and resilient… a beautiful book full of hope, wisdom and encouragement”
Just Write for Kids
“Pear of Hope is like a comforting canopy of sweetness to gain warmth and nourishment from, for all and especially those with difficult life circumstances.” Click here for the full review.
“EK Books really does publish some excellent books for those big issues and this story really brings this topic alive, ready for heartfelt discussion.” Click here for the full review.
“Pear of Hope is a gentle yet uplifting way to introduce the subject of childhood cancer to kids aged six to eight. More broadly, it is also a powerful promise to anyone on a difficult journey that where there is life, there is hope.” Click here for the full review.
“provides a good starting point for developing empathy and understanding of the challenges some children face. Suitable for children 4 upwards, it would make an excellent addition to a school library.” Click here for the full review.
Kids’ Book Review
“full of hope and love for children and others in times of severe illness” Click here for the full review.
What Book Next?
“A beautifully illustrated story showing a young girl’s journey through cancer. Instead of treatments and hospitals, her journey is shown through the loss of energy, dark clouds and fog surrounding her and then her slow recovery back to a hopeful future.” Click here for the full review.