A tiny fig tree needs time to grow. But how much time? All four seasons go by . . . and there are no figs. The seasons pass again. Still no figs! Is the fig tree good for nothing?

Inspired by the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, The Good for Nothing Tree reminds us that the sweetest figs, like many other things, are worth waiting for. Not every tree--and not every child--grows at the same pace. Yet patience, care, and love can change everything, making what may appear "good for nothing" very good.

A note about the parable's New Testament origins and a recipe are included.

Levine, Amy

Amy-Jill Levine, the author of numerous acclaimed books, is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford Seminary and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita as well as Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt. She has cowritten many children's books with Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, including A Very Big Problem, Who Is My Neighbor?, The Marvelous Mustard Seed, and Who Counts?

Bowler, Annie

Annie Bowler is the illustrator of Walking toward Peace by Kathleen Krull and A Very Big Problem by Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Both picture books were named Junior Library Guild Selections. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, 3x3 Illustration, and the Society of Illustrators. For more information, visit www.anniebowler.com.

Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso is the author of many popular books for children and adults, the Director of Religion, Spirituality and the Arts Initiative at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) Arts and Humanities Institute, and Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. Her children's books include The Story of AND, When God Gave Us Words, and, co-written with Amy-Jill Levine, A Very Big Problem, Who Is My Neighbor?, The Marvelous Mustard Seed, and Who Counts? For more information, visit www.allaboutand.com.