Thea's Tree

by Judith Clay

What Thea wants more than anything in the world is a tree--a real tree to climb and hide in, to sit under and dream. But in the city where she lives, there are no trees. So one day, Thea goes in search of a tree. This elemental story is written and illustrated by Judith Clay.
Thea's Tree was chosen for the White Ravens List of the International Youth Library in 2012.
Judith Clay is an award-winning German artist and writer. Her work has been widely exhibited in Europe.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nature

28 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, fable-like story about a girl living in a treeless city who longs to climb and sit under one.

[Savio Sebastian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good artwork. I find the story a little too eerie. It’s a little mystical, and I guess the illustrated art also contributes to it. Left me feeling a little creeped out. Just a little.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandma's review: More appealing to the adult reading the book than to the children listening.
Almost 5-year-old's review: "It's okay. I like trees too."

[Sonam · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the story is really good and resonated with the 6yo, he was put off by the illustration which he thought bordered on the scary.

[Nicole Santiago · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thea's Tree, a fantasy picture book about our connection with nature, was chosen for the White Ravens List of the International Youth Library in 2012. The plot begins as young Thea, living amidst concrete homes, yearns to climb up and sit beneath trees like her parents did in their childhood. She chases a leaf to find the tree from which it fell. When she grasps the leaf, it magically lifts her up into a dream world where she meets a talking tree that is surprised by Thea's innocent wishes. The tree gives Thea a seed and tells her to “give it water and love and conversation.” When she returns to reality, Thea follows the directions and enjoys the tree for many years.

This simple, yet artistic, story combines themes of respect for and reliance on nature. It contains beautiful illustrations with a magical realism style. The text is printed over the printed veins of a leaf. Children between preschool and first grade would enjoy the fantasy about nature. Inner city children will relate to Thea's concrete world.

[Jennifer C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story of persistence in wanting beauty...and finding it in a tree.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in India by Karadi Tales Company.