Reviews
“It can be hard to think of anything good coming from such a tragic and cruel day, but a local author and illustrator have created a book based on a true — and very hopeful — part of those events…. ‘The Survivor Tree’ and its beautiful illustrations follow the story of the pear tree being nursed back to health and ultimately returned to its former home. While the events of September 11 also bring sadness, this story reminds us never to give up hope.”
Tracy Grant, The Washington Post
September 7, 2012
Read the full Washington Post review here
“Inspired by a true story, ‘The Survivor Tree’ is a unique and wonderful tale of the tenacity and resiliency of the human spirit…this is a tale of faith, hope, and healing in the face of incredible tragedy. It is a love story that will warm the heart and feed the soul… Author Cheryl Somers Aubin weaves an inspirational and hopeful story that will delight readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by Sheila Harrington’s watercolors, this book is a treasure that will be a welcome addition to any home library.”
Jack Kelly, Newport This Week
December 15, 2011
“Local author Cheryl Somers Aubin and Washington artist Sheila Harrington team up to share the uplifting story of the 20-year-old pear tree that survived the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. For one month, it lay buried under the “smoking rubble” of the collapsed World Trade Center. Scarred, broken and burnt, it was rescued by site workers and taken to a nursery to be nurtured back to health. As it slowly heals, the tree recalls its previous life in New York City, the splash of a nearby fountain and some of the people the tree had sheltered. Finally, in December 2010, the tree, now known as the Survivor Tree, was replanted on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, where its presence is a testimony to hope and resilience. Aubin’s sensitive text and Harrington’s gentle watercolors make this both a lovely memorial and a memorable book.”
Mary Quattlebum, Washington Parent
March, 2012
Read the full Washington Parent review here
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Interviews
Interview Links
Sudbury Town Crier:
http://sudbury.wickedlocal.com/news/20160908/touching-story-of-911-survivor-tree
Fairfax County Times:
Washington Post Interview:
What readers on Amazon are saying…
As a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor I love this book and the tree’s healing journey. I totally relate!! Great story, beautiful pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
L. Warner “LW”This book is remarkable for being perhaps the very first 9/11 tale written with children in mind. It deftly acknowledges that a terrible thing happened that day, without dwelling on the awful details. Instead, the author has chosen to write a story of survival, resurrection, hope, caring, and optimism. She has chosen the device of giving feelings, thoughts and emotions — even vision — to the plucky little pear tree that miraculously survived under the smoldering mountain of 9-11 debris. And it works, giving the story a touching poignancy as the reader truly feels the tree’s pain and fears — and the joy of recovery. All readers, both children and adults, will be moved by this beautifully told and illustrated story of rebirth.
Bradley E. WoodwardThis book was given to me as a gift. I read it that evening and was so moved by it that when I got to the end I cried and wished it was longer. It was a very informative book and the pictures were delightful. I have brought this book to my job to share with others and will be ordering it for my grand children. I recommend this to anyone from child to adult.
HebeCheryl Aubin’s first book, ‘The Survivor Tree …’ is beautifully written and illustrated with watercolor paintings that serve to add to the impact of this story. Suitable for school age children and adults alike, the book is about the survivor in all of us — no matter how difficult or challenging today may be, there is hope; there is promise in a new day so long as people care and are willing to share our common human bond.
Ken G.Beautifully written true story of loss, healing, and recovery of the survivor tree at the World Trade Center after 9/11. The message is helpful for all ages and especially for those dealing with setbacks in life. The lovely illustrations enhance the story. A heartwarming and healing gift for anyone suffering loss.
Joan and Lew CarrThe Survivor Tree,’ by Cheryl Somers Aubin, and beautifully illustrated by Sheila Harrington, has warmed, melted, and deeply touched my heart. The core message of this book is that ‘survivors can heal’ – and that even though those of us who survive any kind of life-ordeal may be scarred and damaged, we can still be beautiful. The illustrations are exquisite, and touch me deeply – they perfectly complement the story. This is a book that I will give to friends who have undergone any kind of challenging life-ordeal, from which they emerge as ‘survivors.’ It has a reach well beyond those impacted by 9/11, to the broader community of those who ‘survive’ harrowing experiences. It will deeply help their healing process.
Alianna M.A great story to read at the 10th anniversary of 9/11. While the story is a beautiful one that is specific to a tree that barely survived the horror that was 9/11 at the twin towers, this story will definitely inspire and give strength and be comforting to anyone (child or adult) who has survived a trying time in their lives.
Been There