A brother and sister travel to a special gathering under a
gigantic baobab tree in this quiet, beautifully illustrated
story set in a rural area of an unnamed African country. The
siblings walk together down a dusty road on their way to a
nearby village, where the large baobab tree is located. The
story relates different events that happen under the tree: a
visit from the market wagon, elders meeting to discuss village
business, a storyteller recounting tales of heroes. A repeated
refrain builds anticipation: “But who will gather today under
the baobab tree?” During their journey, the children spot some
intriguing sights such as gazelle around a watering hole and a
termite mound. When they reach the baobab tree at last, they
join other people waiting under the tree, and it gradually
becomes apparent that this is an outdoor church service with
just the basic elements: “a cross and a Bible, a pastor and
songs, voices and prayers.” Evocative watercolor illustrations
make effective use of sunlight and shadows to