Tales of the magic tree are enchanting stories that center around a mystical and extraordinary tree. This tree has the power to grant wishes and take individuals on incredible adventures. The tales often begin with a curious protagonist stumbling upon the tree in an unexpected place. Once the protagonist discovers the magic tree, they are usually faced with a difficult decision. They must decide what they wish for carefully, as the tree's magic is powerful, but not without consequences. The tales explore themes of greed, selflessness, and the importance of making wise choices.
The tales explore themes of greed, selflessness, and the importance of making wise choices. In some tales, the protagonist selfishly wishes for wealth or power, only to realize that their desires come at a great cost. The stories serve as cautionary tales, teaching readers the value of appreciating what they have and not succumbing to the allure of material possessions.
The Magic Tree: A Folktale from Nigeria
Echewa's (The Ancestor Tree) lilting retelling describes how an orphan gains power over the villagers who treat him badly. Each day, from sunup to sundown, the people call out to Mbi, ""Mbi, do this! Mbi, do that!"" Yet the boy frequently ends up hungry, having no food other than the scraps he can lick from others' bowls. One day, a udara fruit falls magically from its tree--out of season--and when Mbi plants its seeds, like Jack with his Beanstalk, he gets more than he bargained for. Not only does a tree take root immediately, but it obeys Mbi's commands. The tree gives him all the fruit he can eat, which he generously shares with the villagers. But when a boy tries to steal the fruit, Mbi sings to his tree, commanding it to grow (""Udaram to-o-oh!"") until its branches are ""lost in the clouds."" Only after the villagers shower Mbi with gifts and promise to be kind to him does he command the tree to bring the boy down. The drumlike beat of the words gives the narrative the sound of a tale that has been passed down orally for generations, replete with songs and pauses that anticipate audience reaction. Yet the book's moral may confuse readers; the tale seems to indicate that kindness is dependent upon power. Lewis (The Jazz of Our Street) fills his sun-drenched watercolors with realistic details of clothing in vibrant colors and exquisite baskets set in intimate village scenes, and grounds the story's magical elements in the real world. Close-up portraits of Mbi's transformation from village outcast to mascot help to compensate for the obfuscation of the story's message. Ages 4-up. (June)
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Reviewed on: 05/31/1999
Other tales showcase the protagonist selflessly wishing for the happiness and well-being of others. These stories emphasize the importance of empathy, kindness, and the fulfillment that comes from selfless acts. The magic tree serves as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery, encouraging the protagonist to think beyond their own needs and desires. The adventures that unfold in these tales are filled with excitement and wonder. The magic tree acts as a portal to different worlds, where the protagonist encounters mythical creatures, faces challenging tasks, and learns valuable life lessons. These adventures are not only entertaining but also serve as a metaphor for the journeys we take in our own lives. Ultimately, Tales of the magic tree capture the reader's imagination and provide valuable lessons in morality and personal growth. They remind us to be careful with our wishes and to consider the impact our choices have on ourselves and others. These tales serve as a reminder that magic exists in the world, both within the stories themselves and in the power of our own dreams and aspirations..
Reviews for "The Magic Tree and the Fairy's Potion: A Magical Adventure"
- Rebecca - 2 stars - I found Tales of the Magic Tree to be incredibly dull and unengaging. The characters were flat and lacked any sort of depth, and the plot felt predictable and uninspired. It felt like a cheap imitation of other fantasy books I have read before, without bringing anything new or fresh to the genre. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to others.
- James - 1 star - I couldn't even finish Tales of the Magic Tree. The writing was atrocious, with awkward and awkwardly constructed sentences that made it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, making it impossible to connect with the characters or believe in their actions. The lack of editing and proofreading was evident throughout the book, and it felt like a rushed and amateurish attempt at storytelling. I would not recommend wasting your time with this book.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Tales of the Magic Tree, but unfortunately, it fell short in many aspects. The pacing was slow and dragged on for far too long, making it difficult to stay invested in the story. The world-building was also lacking, leaving many unanswered questions and a lack of depth to the setting. Additionally, the main characters felt underdeveloped and lacked complexity, which made it hard to root for them or care about their journey. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to others who are looking for an engaging fantasy read.