Shake the Mango Tree (French/English Edition)

Born in the heart of the Congo, Rupat grew up in a large, loving family, surrounded by fertile fields and delicious, sticky mangoes. But when civil war ravaged his homeland, everything changed. Forced to flee as violence tore through his village, Rupat embarked on a perilous journey across the unforgiving terrain of Africa, separated from his family and unsure of what lay ahead.
With only his faith to guide him, Rupat travelled over two thousand kilometres, hungry, exhausted, fearing the constant threat of rebel soldiers. Alongside countless others displaced by the conflict, he endured unimaginable hardship. Yet, amidst the chaos, there were moments of sweetness—mangoes that nourished both his body and his spirit—until he found safety in a refugee camp, alongside new love and a dream of a brighter future.

Thoughtfully rendered and beautifully illustrated, Shake the Mango Tree tells an important, true story—a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the sweetness of hope—to be shared with readers young and old.

Ruth is an early childhood educator, author, and grandmother. Before retiring, Ruth worked for over forty years in community services and early learning programs, earning the United Way Community Impact Award, which recognized her work with refugee families and their young children. The United Way established the “Ruth Beardsley Reunification Fund” to support other families to be reunited with their young children. Ruth is the author of one previous book, My Heart in Kenya (2020). She started telling stories while working with young children, and it was while working with adults in community groups that she learned the power of storytelling to raise awareness of issues related to refugees. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys travelling, hiking in the mountains, kayaking, and snowshoeing. She lives in Squamish, British Columbia, with her husband.