Carol Jenkins

A little puriri tree is planted by an old woman in her lovely garden. It grows much bigger than expected and gives joy to the children who visit the garden. But it hides a tiny houhere which longs to be noticed and loved too. Eventually, the puriri becomes old and brittle. The little houhere grieves for its friend but with more light and space it thrives and is admired. It wonders if it is alright to be loving life so much but then it hears the puriri whispering encouragement and reassurance.

Phenomenal story about the Gaston "behind-the-scenes" role in the civil rights movement of the 1950's & 60's as a major financial contributor to Dr. Martin Luther King & other leaders. Also, as a leading businessman, he provided housing and other services to the leaders as well. The author suggests that without the contributions of Gaston, there would not have been a movement at all.