About this book

Picture a tree, from every season, and from every angle. These wondrous beings give shade and shelter. They protect, and bring beauty to, any landscape.

Now look again. Look closer.

A tree's colours both soothe and excite. Its shape can ignite the imagination and conjure a pirate ship, a bear cave, a clubhouse, a friend; an ocean, a tunnel, and a home sweet home. Its majestic presence evokes family, growth, changes, endings and new beginnings.

Picture a tree — what do you see? The possibilities are endless.

Now in paperback, this classic, award-winning book by Barbara Reid brings her vision, her craft, and her signature Plasticine artwork to the outside world. Each page is a celebration, and you will never look at trees in quite the same way again.

Reviews

“Witty details like these encourage careful examination, and gently suggest the cycle of the seasons and of human lives. This is a book to open the artist’s eye in any reader.” — Quill & Quire

“Though the gentle words will encourage readers to slow down and think about what they love about trees, it’s the art that’s the star here. The Plasticine is expressive, detailed and gestural, with emotions showing on each face and careful craft in even the tiniest leaf and twig.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“…the premise here is original; the artistry, stunning. The forty value-added vignettes on the endpapers make us reluctant to close the book.” — Hornbook, starred review

“Reid invites her young readers to see the true majesty of nature’s bounty.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials, ****/4

“From striking double-page spreads to inviting endpapers, these delightful illustrations reward close attention with clever details.” — Booklist, starred review

“This book celebrates the beauty and splendour of one of nature’s most enduring symbols, the tree. They decorate our landscape with their leaves and blossoms and provide food and shelter for all Earth's creatures. Barbara Reid’s use of Plasticine is breathtaking. A beautiful picture book.” — OLA Best Bets 2011 citation

Extras

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