“A Tree for Peter” by Kate Seredy is a heartwarming tale that, though unseen by many, leaves an indelible mark on a downtrodden community. Set in the squalid Shantytown, the story revolves around a gift from the enigmatic big Peter to the small Peter – a shiny red-handled spade and a small green tree adorned with tiny candles. This seemingly simple act ignites a spark of hope in the hearts of Shantytown’s residents, leading to a remarkable transformation.
This narrative unfolds as a modern Christmas miracle, where despairing houses are revitalized into beacons of light and neatness. Hopeless individuals rediscover the potent forces of love and hope, capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Seredy masterfully crafts a world devoid of conventional saints and angels, instead peopling it with relatable characters – a tramp, an Irish cop, a young boy, and the bureaucratic entity of City Hall. Through these characters, Shantytown is reborn as Peter’s Landing, symbolizing a resurgence of faith and community spirit.
Kate Seredy herself reveals the organic genesis of her stories, stating, “From such small sparks were all my books written. I never really know what the story is going to be; soon after I start writing, the very people I am writing about take over and tell me what they want to do.” This insight into her creative process highlights the authentic and character-driven nature of “A Tree for Peter.”
Jane Claire Lambert, author of Five In A Row, aptly describes “A Tree for Peter” as “an inspiring chapter book that once read will be long remembered. This is a treasure of a book with much chance for meaningful dialogue!” Her review underscores the book’s lasting impact and its potential to foster meaningful conversations, making “A Tree for Peter” by Kate Seredy a cherished read for generations.
