About the Book
Anna loves the old pear tree that lives at the bottom of the garden. When she becomes seriously ill, her relationship with the tree provides comfort and peace on her journey, particularly when she plants a seed from one of the tree’s pears.
Pear of Hope is the story of a little girl with cancer and her tale of recovery. This is intertwined with the growth of a pear tree, which symbolises the enigmatic concept of hope. Told through sensitive words and gentle, beautiful illustrations, the story will comfort and inspire any children who are struggling to feel positive, whatever journey they may be on.
Author Wenda Shurety wrote Pear of Hope because, as someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, hope has been instrumental in her healing process. The story is a gentle introduction to building a more positive outlook in the face of struggle. As well as adults and children suffering from illness, it will also appeal to educators discussing the topics of hope and symbolism, and to medical staff or counsellors who have to discuss hope in difficult situations.
The beautiful story of Pear of Hope and its brave, adventurous and hopeful main character, Anna, will be a crucial step towards children and their carers embracing hope in their lives. With its vibrant images, it is a reminder of the beauty of the world around us and of the fact that, like Anna, with hope you can face any battle!
About the Author :
Wenda Shurety, or Wobbly Wenda, is a children's author, scientist and archer. She grew up in England, worked in New York and now lives in Australia. Wenda’s books are inspired by her love of being a mum, and the hope that has helped her through her struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Deb Hudson is an illustrator who is passionate about drawing bright, happy and colourful images that evoke emotion and thought in their viewer. Her first picture book, The Golden Thread, was published in 2019.
Review :
“deals with a diagnosis of childhood cancer so sensitively and evocatively. Yet despite its sad subject matter it’s overwhelmingly a story of hope.”
“a thoughtful and gentle exploration of the profound impact of childhood illness. … such a beautiful and hopeful story”
“A lovely picture book for emerging readers showing positivity and that when facing difficult circumstances”
“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”
“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”
“EK Books really does publish some excellent books for those big issues and this story really brings this topic alive, ready for heartfelt discussion.”
“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.”
“full of hope and love for children and others in times of severe illness”
“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.”
"Told through sensitive words, the gentle story will inspire and comfort children, regardless of their journey"
“It's a joy to watch the change through the nature and the hope unfold. Plus, it doesn't forget the artistic touch, which gives the book its personal sense of warmth.”
“When she does go outside with her hair gone, the message is clear. This will need explanation for many young listeners and that opens up the door perfectly for discussions. It definitely offers tons of hope and allows a serious issue to be addressed in a very lovely and caring manner.”
This book, as well as being carefully crafted and beautiful, is a helpful resource. It will help children and their caregivers and friends understand and navigate terrible times such as illness and trauma. Its message of the story is hope. That hope can be a tangible thing, and a skill that can be developed.
“This book would certainly help support any child in dealing with health struggles and provides a positive message of hope and bravery. Comprehensive teacher’s notes can be found on the publisher’s website.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Author Wenda Shurety wrote Pear of Hope because as someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, hope has instrumental in her healing process”
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.
When loved one is suffering, with its focus on positivity, hope and the joy that nature can bring both in comfort and metaphorically the natural cycle which exists in plants, humans and animals. Alongside the lyrical text are beautifully whimsical and textured illustrations that will be enjoyed by children 4+.
“The alliteration is soft and enveloping, the sounds of healing. The growth of the pear from seed to flowering tree, mirrors her transition to health” Click here to read
“EK Books publish such meaningful reads that support children and adults in coping with the big, and often scary, issues that life throws up. Dealing with illness, embracing a message of positivity in the face of a struggle and encompassing the healing power of nature, Pear of Hope is a tender-hearted read about a little girl with cancer and her recovery.”
“Beautifully illustrated. Beautifully written. Going through this with a group of teachers not one of them could not see this book being used as way to talk to about that struggle (with serious illness) and looking for the positives in times of difficulty.”
