Man-Man and the Tree of Memories is a vibrant celebration, through words and illustrations, of the magic evoked through the music and dance of carnival, and a story of connections with the past through myth and ancestral history.
Man-man is caught up in the excitement of the preparations for the Notting Hill Carnival, practising his dancing and deciding on a costume for its theme: Let Freedom Rain. But Man-man is also worried about his mum’s illness which has led to his Nan coming from Jamaica to help look after her daughter.
On the day of the carnival, his mum is able to watch the floats from the balcony of his Aunty Flo’s flat. As the procession starts, Man-man is caught up in the joyousness and vibrancy of the dance and, in his determination to heal his mum, he calls upon the Queen of Revels to make his mum better. And she answers his call …
Man-man, his sister, Pan and best friend, Kareem find themselves swept into the past where Man-man must learn about his family’s heritage to have a chance of changing his mum’s future. The children are taken to the Tree of Memories on the coast of West Africa, a sacred tree which holds the heartache and dreams of his ancestors, opening a window into the past. The tree reveals the pain and anguish of those taken captive by slavers and they watch as an ancestor’s memory unfolds … Man-man understands how the weight of his family’s past pain is making his mum unwell, but can this new understanding of the past help him to change her future?
I loved the blend of a contemporary setting during the Notting Hill Carnival, and a magical adventure to connect with the past. I could really feel the joy and love that Man-man has for dance leaping from the pages in both words and illustrations. I really enjoyed the myth of the Queen of Revels and Shango as well as the symbolism of the iroko tree and the egret.
As a teacher, I feel it is so important and beneficial to have a diverse range of books in the classroom so that all children can see themselves in books and empathise with the experiences of others. This story gives an insight into both African and Caribbean culture, and opens a window to introduce difficult subjects such as the history of slavery to younger children.
This is a stunning hardback edition where the author’s heartfelt, powerful storytelling is complemented perfectly with dazzling full-colour illustrations that leap from the page in a celebration of dance, magic and freedom.
A magical and mesmerising adventure celebrating the captivation of carnival, the importance of memories and the love of family and friends. Perfect for readers of 8+.
Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Zephyr Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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