The Sheltering Tree

Overview

The “Goddess of Nanking” Who Defied an Army to Save 10,000 Lives

FIRST ENGLISH BIOGRAPHY of Minnie Vautrin, the fearless American educator who became a living shield during one of history’s darkest hours. China, 1937. The Japanese army swept into Nanjing. Foreigners evacuated. But Minnie Vautrin—Dean of Ginling College—threw open the gates instead of running. For months, she stood between soldiers and refugees, risking her life daily to protect over 10,000 women and children. Armed with nothing but courage, she became a Sheltering Tree in the storm of war. From the quiet cornfields of Illinois to the gates of Nanjing, this stunning picture book reveals the true story of a woman who proved kindness is the strongest weapon of all. Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures and The Winter Plum.

Author Biography

Liu Jiuming is a distinguished artist and faculty member in the Illustration Department at Nanjing University of the Arts. He is a member of the China Artists Association and the Jiangsu Artists Association.

For The Sheltering Tree, he uses a striking woodcut style to capture the weight of history and the resilience of life. His powerful artwork has been selected for China’s most prestigious exhibitions.

His works are held in the National Art Museum of China, the Jiangsu Art Museum, and other distinguished collections. Tan Fengxia is a Hans Christian Andersen Award Juror (2024, 2026) and Professor of Children’s Literature at Nanjing Normal University. She has been a research fellow at Cambridge University and the International Youth Library in Munich. The Sheltering Tree is her tribute to the brave women of Nanjing—the city where she has lived and taught for decades, walking the same paths Minnie Vautrin once walked. She believes every child deserves to see themselves as a hero of history.