Under the Baobab Tree by Julie Stiegemeyer

Moyo and his sister Japera hurry along the dusty road to a neighboring village’s baobab tree, known as the “tree of life” because of the myriad ways it benefits creation. Moyo knows that various groups gather beneath the tree—vendors selling their wares, village elders discussing community needs, and storytellers sharing legends. Who will gather today under the baobab tree? he wonders. That day, beneath the “tree of life,” Moyo, Japera, and others hear the words of eternal life. In that “church” with no bell, steeple, organ, or flowers, the gospel is proclaimed and people pray and sing. Illustrator E. B. Lewis’s contrasting earth-tone and bright illustrations in this joyful children’s picture book celebrate Africa’s landscape, her people, and the Lord who created all. (Zonderkidz)