Kids’ Book Review: Review: The Peach King
The Peach King, Inga Simpson’s second
book for children, begins at the cover which depicts a magnificent pear
tree stripped almost bare, but heralds life again with scattered blossoms.Â
The emergence
of green leaves from its thin branches proclaims the resilience of nature.Â
The orchard was filled with Little Peach trees; saplings that bent in the wind.Â
On the crest was Peach King; an image of
authority, standing strong against the wind, watching over the tender young
ones. As guardian, he was sensitive to the change
of weather, the sky that darkened, any looming shadow of threat.
Spring came quickly, with welcomed buds then
blossoms on the Little Peach trees.
Then, the weighted branches, filled with the fruit
of summer, gave way to the crisp autumn leaves of striking yellow, red and
orange that coated the grass, and crunched beneath the feet of men and paws of
dogs.Â
Too soon, winter sees the branches naked against the
cold until Spring returns.Â
So, the pattern of life for the young Peach Tree
continues till it grows into a giant tree.
Peach King’s branches dry up from lack of rain and
soon drop to earth. Fierce heat increases.
The Peach trees grow thirsty. Water becomes scarce.Â
Hot winds blow. Red skies stretch beyond the horizon. Birds and animals race
against rampant fire.Â
Smoke blocks the air.Â
It is the Little Peach trees that survive when the Peach
King cannot be saved.
Life-giving rains arrive. Little Peach now stands sentinel.
Birds and animals return.
February 2025 was the five-year anniversary of the
the Currowan fires of NSW, August 2019 – February 2020, known as the Black
Summer bushfires.Â
This book is a tribute to the resilience of nature and inspired by the people and neighbours of the area at that time, that helped pick the
Araluen peaches from the orchards, saving them from destruction.Â
Most importantly, the
countless others that heroically fought the bushfires.
Title:Â The Peach King
Author: Inga Simpson
Illustrator:Â Tannya Harricks
Publisher:Â Hachette, $24.99Â
Publication Date:Â 30 October 2025
Format:Â Hardcover
ISBN:Â 9780734418517
For ages:Â 3 – 5
Type: Picture Book
