
By Aisha Saeed, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
A bullied boy finds hope and unity under a willow tree.
Rumi feels isolated at his new school, bullied for his bright shoes. Seeking solace under a willow tree, he dreams of belonging. When a classmate stands up for him, the class learns the power of kindness and unity, transforming the tree's shade into a haven for all.
All Are Welcome meets Be Kind in this poignant and accessible picture book about the power every bystander–no matter how small–has to extend kindness and stand up in the face of intolerance. At his new school, quiet Rumi feels small and unwelcome, and a few kids bully him for being different and wearing bright shoes. He finds refuge beneath the old willow tree by the playground and builds his own world of hope and dreams of belonging. One day, when Rumi is made a target again, one of his classmates bravely steps in to defend him. It’s in that moment of solidarity Rumi’s class finally realizes that under the shade of the willow tree, all are welcome, and they create a space they can all play in–together.
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