The Shade Tree

From Hans Christian Andersen award winner Suzy Lee comes an inventive retelling of a Korean folk tale about a young traveler who outwits a rich, selfish man to ensure that villagers will always be able to rest in the shade of a magnificent tree.

“A gorgeous fable celebrating generosity and wit.”—Kirkus, STARRED review

Villagers like to come to rest and cool down in the shade of a huge, old tree. But when a young traveler decides to join them one day, a rich man on whose land the tree stands demands they leave because he owns the tree and therefore its shade. Thinking fast, the traveler strikes a deal: one that will enable him to outsmart the rich man—and ensure that the villagers will always have access to the shade tree's shade, wherever it may fall.

With simple, elegant illustrations, The Shade Tree is a striking story about one person's quest to combat greed for the greater good.