I was six years old when I saw the book with its simple green cover and a solitary tree tucked into a box of books for sale at an auction The books were marked for individual sale at 10 cents each - I knew I had enough in my pocket to buy one and as a new reader hoped to find a book I could take home. Yes, the cover was simple but I was captivated when I opened the book and discovered the pictures, something within the simple black and white sketches of this book spoke to my little heart.
"A Tree for Peter" became a key to my falling in love with the beauty of story. When I read this book I cried, I laughed and of course I had to take it to school for "Show and Tell" as I wanted to share with everyone Peter's story. This simple tale of a small timid boy who was afraid of so much, who lived in a dark unattended area of town, who longed for something better and beautiful resonated with my soul. A boy who hoped for more from life! And it was through a gift - a small spade that brought about changes first for small Peter, for his mom and for an entire community.
So many times miracles happen as the result of the most humble and simple gift...a gift that appears to be an everyday common object which in itself does not seem much yet becomes more - A simple spade! "'When I grow up I am going to be a builder.' Faith, and what else could he be? He, with his little spade, building castles out of the mud and dreaming them full of fine people...here they are, for all of us to see" (pg 101).
by Sarah Armendariz
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