But heralds life again with scattered blossoms.
The emergence of green leaves from its thin branches proclaims the resilience of nature.
The orchard was filled with Little Peach trees.
Saplings that bent in the wind.
On the crest was Peach King; an image of authority, standing strong against the wind, watching over the tender young ones.
As guardian, Peach King was sensitive to the change of weather, the sky that darkened, and any looming shadow of threat.
Spring came quickly, with welcomed buds then blossoms on the Little Peach trees.
Then, the weighted branches, filled with the fruit of summer, gave way to the crisp autumn leaves of striking yellow, red and orange that coated the grass, and crunched beneath the feet of men and paws of dogs.
Too soon, winter sees the branches naked against the cold until Spring returns.
So, the pattern of life for the young Peach Tree continues till it grows into a giant tree.
Peach King’s branches dry up from lack of rain and soon drop to earth. Fierce heat increases.
The Peach trees grow thirsty. Water becomes scarce.
Hot winds blow. Red skies stretch beyond the horizon. Birds and animals race against rampant fire.
Smoke blocks the air.
It is the Little Peach trees that survive when the Peach King cannot be saved.
Life-giving rains arrive. Little Peach now stands sentinel. Birds and animals return.
February 2025 was the five-year anniversary of the the Currowan fires of NSW, August 2019 - February 2020, known as the Black Summer bushfires.
This book is a tribute to the resilience of nature and inspired by the people and neighbours of the area at that time, that helped pick the Araluen peaches from the orchards, saving them from destruction.
Most importantly, the countless others that heroically fought the bushfires.
Title: The Peach King
Author: Inga Simpson
Illustrator: Tannya Harricks
Publisher: Hachette, $24.99
Publication Date: 30 October 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734418517
For ages: 3 - 5
Type: Picture Book
