Trees, something that many of us will see everyday and something that almost all of us take for granted and barely give more than a passing glance. In her latest picture book, prestigious artist Emma Carlisle implores us to pay more attention to the natural world, especially trees.
What do you see when you look at a tree? Do you notice the way the leaves move or how the branches bend? Can you tell how it feels or the thoughts that it has? What animals call it home? What will it become when it is older? Have you pondered how long the tree has been there, what things it has seen and who may have visited it too? Next time you see a tree, take the time to notice, and ask yourself, what can you really see…
A seemingly simple question is just the precursor to several more thought-provoking wonderings that ask readers to think about the life and times of trees. Through the eyes and actions of a young child, thoughts, feelings, friendship, identity, purpose, family and empathy are all explored as the charming protagonist visits the different trees that are part of her world.
Much more than just about trees, this is a book about the beauty to be found within nature and how we spend our short time here. As well as much pondering about trees, which were around long before we arrived and will be around long after we are gone, Carlisle encourages self-reflection, mindfulness and provides plenty of opportunities for philosophical discussions. We are, as humans, ostensibly like trees sharing many of the same traits and whilst this may not be apparent at first glance, the ending ‘leaves’ us in no doubt as to our close connectedness and what we can learn and use in order to live better.
Told in evocative and mellifluous rhyming prose and with gorgeous illustrations in all the colours of nature, What Do You See When You Look At A Tree? is a joyful and thoughtful ode to nature. First page to last are full of arboreal delights and take readers on a mesmerising, moving and magical journey as nature’s treasures unfold before the eyes.
I loved the last two spreads; fascinating to learn how trees communicate with one another and all about the ‘wood wide web’; the pages that provide advice on ‘How to Be More Like a Tree’ are tree-mendous. Tree like actives include the need for self-care, developing unlikely friendships, being true to yourself and spreading your roots. Please don’t miss out on Emma’s most heart-felt of author’s notes that explains her inspiration for this love letter to trees. Presented in hardback with gold title lettering and fabric spine, and printed on thick paper, this special book is one to cherish and share together. Take it into the forest, climb with it up into that old apple tree in the garden, sit with it under the shade of the grand oak in the park. Read it, enjoy it, learn from it, embrace nature. Recommended for 6+. With huge thanks to Allen & Unwin and Big Picture Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
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