Haiti and The Magic Orange Tree
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Traveling through the Haitian countryside in the 1970’s, Diane harvested a rich collection of over 400 tales. Generations of children and adults around the globe have experienced the spirit of Haiti through these remarkable folk tales. Diane’s ALA Notable book, The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Stories, in print since 1978, has become a classic among storytellers, people who love good stories, and those eager to learn more about Haitian culture, story, and song. |
The Magic Orange Tree Book
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The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian FolktalesIllustrated by Elsa Henriquez When Diane Wolkstein, herself a well–known storyteller, traveled throughout the Haitian countryside in search of stories, she harvested a rich collection of twenty–seven tales, each of which is illuminated by fascinating introductory notes. From orange trees growing at the command of a child to talking fish, these stories present us with a world of wonder, delight, and mystery. Learn more about the book and read some of the reviews! |
Reviews for The Magic Orange Tree Book
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What readers are saying:
“‘Orange Tree’ holds a special place in my heart. It is the story that has gleaned the most consistent joyful response in the years of telling to children in 37 states and for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Europe.” — Susan Klein (in an interview from “The Oral Tradition Today — An Introduction to the Art of Storytelling” by Liz Warren) “Diane Wolkstein will go down as someone who made Haiti known to children and adults in America and around the world.”— Raymond Joseph, Haitian Ambassador to the U.S.
What critics are saying:
“Wolkstein is a person who can bridge cultures in such a way as to bring understanding, wit, humor and moral meaning along with the words.” — Barre Toelken, Journal of Latin American Literature & Arts “This book is sheer delight. Grown-ups and children of all ages, will revel in it.” — Lillian Ross, The New Yorker “It is a joy to have this book, not only to read it, but to listen to it. The Magic Orange Tree is a gift.” — P.L. Travers |
The Magic Orange Tree CD
 View the back of the CD |
Awards, Honors & Reviews:
Free teacher lesson plans: Right–click to download
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Performance Videos from The Magic Orange Tree
The stories and songs from The Magic Orange Tree bring joy to many occasions. Here are three videos of Diane telling these stories in a variety of settings. In the first one, Diane tells “The Magic Orange Tree” at the Statue of Hans Christian Andersen in Central Park. The second clip shows a telling of “Tipingee” to 5th graders at PS 242 in Harlem. In the last video, Joy Kelly and Diane tell “Horse and Toad” at the Mother’s Day Benefit for Haiti at the Scandinavia House.
A Storyteller’s Story: Diane’s Time in Haiti
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Diane Wolkstein: A Storyteller’s Story, explores the extraordinary career of one of the world’s most celebrated storytellers. Through archival footage, in–depth interviews, and spellbinding performances, this thirty–seven minute film illuminates the power of storytelling and shows one woman’s courageous journey to communicate heart–to–heart.Official Selection: Women’s International Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival. This segment features interviews with Wolkstein, musician Shirley Keller, and Ambassador of the Haitian Republic Raymond Joseph, focusing on Diane’s time spent in Haiti, where she gathered the stories and songs that eventually became the classic book The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales. Learn more about A Storyteller’s Story |
More Haitian Books!
The Banza A Haitian story of friendship between a small goat and a tiger in which the courage to sing the story of one’s heart brings freedom. Illustrated by Marc Brown. Featured on PBS’ Reading Rainbow and Storytime. $40.00 |
Bouki Dances the Kokioko In this comical tale from Haiti, awkward Bouki wins the dance contest while sly Malice walks away with the prize. Illustrated by Jesse Sweetwater. An Aesop’s Awards Accolade Book. $30.00 |
Photos from Diane’s trips to Haiti
View the entire gallery on Flickr.
A Short History of Haiti
Haiti’s original inhabitants were the Arawak/Taino Indians. In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived on the island, claiming it for Spain. Naming the island Hispaniola, he conquered the island in the name of “God, Glory, and Gold.” Under Spanish rule, the native population was decimated by overwork, exhaustion, and disease. To replace the dying native population, the Spaniards forcibly brought Africans to labor on their plantations.
By 1697, the French claimed the western third of the island that would become Haiti. Under French colonial rule, the enslaved population in Haiti continued to suffer. Inspired in part by the French revolution in 1789, the Haitian slaves, led by Toussaint L’Ouverture, rebelled. Although L’Ouverture was captured by French forces, once the flame of freedom was lit, it could not be extinguished. The people of Haiti fought the French until January 1, 1804, at which time Jean Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti the first free black republic and opened its doors to any slaves seeking refuge. The new country was named Haiti, a Taino word for “mountainous country.” The Haitian Revolution remains the only successful revolution led by a population of recently freed slaves.
Since its independence, Haiti has faced a multitude of adversities. Threatening Haiti with reconquest, France, in 1825, forced Haitians to pay millions of dollars until 1947. The Americans occupied Haiti in 1915 setting up an oppressive Haitian army; and then, in the 1980′s, they undermined Haiti’s agricultural economy with subsidized free rice. The rise of Haitian dictators robbed the country of millions of dollars and created large gaps between the rich and poor. Nonetheless, in the midst of their many trials and tribulations, the Haitian people have maintained their dignity and freedom; and through their art, music, religion, stories and traditions they have created one of the most unique and vibrant cultures in the world.
— by Gina Ulysse, Elizabeth Napp, and Diane Wolkstein
Latest Magic Orange Tree News
Korean edition of “Mother of the Waters” and Audio CD
 Girl scrubbing the old woman’s back (from the Korean edition of “Mother of the Waters”) |
Not only will “Mother of the Waters” (a story from the The Magic Orange Tree) now be available as a book in Korean, but it’s also simultaneously being re-released in audio format as a CD by The Great Books Foundation! The Korean books is published by Hansol Education and comes with beautful illustrations. |
Raising Funds for Haiti at our CD Release Party!
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Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph and Diane |
Highlights from the Release Party |
Mailing List and Resource Links
Have another exciting resource you think we should add? E–mail us at wolkstein.publicity@gmail.com. Thank you!
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