The Fig Tree: A Story About Building Friendship and Peace in Cyprus

In The Fig Tree, war separates two sides of an island, and a solitary tree brings together two children across the divide, in this touching picture book about peace, community, and forgiveness—written by award-winning author Costantia Manoli and illustrated by Leah Giles.

On the sunny island of Cyprus, a tall and lonely fig tree stands. Her fruit ripens, yet no one comes to share it. Years of fear and division have split the island in two, leaving her in the middle, alone. She remembers the conflict that tore her people apart, but she also remembers the warm days before, when laughter and friendship knew no boundaries.

Yet, with changing seasons comes renewed hope, and the old tree dreams of a future where sharing summer’s first figs might mend those broken bonds.

In this heartwarming picture book by Costantia Manoli, brought to life with Leah Giles’s vibrant illustrations, the shadows of the past give way to a bright future where children put aside fear and distrust to discover that the simple act of sharing can bridge the deepest rifts.