The Mahogany Tree/El árbol de caoba

Gr 6 Up—A tiny seed grows to become a magnificent mahogany tree and, in the process, touches the lives of animals and humans in a very special way. The tree's adventures start when Turia, a Chono Indian from Darien, sees its promise and, after risking his life, transforms it into a superb fishing cayuco, which catches much attention. Many years after the vessel touches water for the first time, Willie, a daydreaming teenager who lives in the Panama Canal Zone, and Ole Man, a Jamaican fisherman, travel far searching for a marlin when they get caught in a treacherous storm and are left to survive on the cayuco until their rescuers arrive. This unusual story, told from the point of view of the tree, will make readers dream of adventures at sea, surrounded by a magical world teeming with life and danger. The black-and-white illustrations are exquisite. The translation is peppered with regional expressions, but occasionally lacks the fluidity of its English original. Discussion questions in both English and Spanish are appended.—Narda McCarthy, Broward County Library Consultant, FL