Linden: The Story of a Tree

by Colleen Muske

With its positive message and community-centered story, this tale of a tree and the community that loves it will resonate with readers of all ages.
Some trees grow up wanting to be tall lighthouses or big red barns full of horses. Not Linden. He is grateful just being a tree. Through snowy winters full of caroling to summertime picnics beneath his shady boughs, Linden watches over the people who love and care for him. Colleen Muske’s heartfelt, gorgeously illustrated ode to the simple joys of loving one’s community is full of childlike wonder and comfort in the many ways nature supports and surprises us.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

38 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely loved this short simple tale of a tree who cared for his community and the community that lives, creates art and music, and finds shelter in his shade. This is a symbiotic community relationship with both humans and tree giving and taking. The illustrations are simple, but beautiful, and it would make a beautiful little tale to read to preschoolers and talk about community.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book before publication.

This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I'm currently teaching personification to my 10th graders, and seeing it in a children's book made me smile the whole time I was reading. I loved Linden as soon as his name was shared. And I grieved this tree right along with the people in the story. It's a beautiful tale about nature around us, showing it love, and grieving when it's lost.

My daughter is saddened by fallen trees because she loves nature. This is a good story to share with kids to learn about the lifespan of a tree and one of the reasons why trees are no more. The story was well written and the subject matter handled well. This is a book that will be on my daughter's shelf.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once there was a tree which was much loved and part of the lives of many people...
The illustrations by the author are meaningful, imaginative, clear, and with bright colors.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, and especially to a school or teacher or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Marble Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available March 26, 2024

[Megan Fosson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s picture book was so cute! I absolutely adored the artwork. Linden by Colleen Muske has a very sweet story that my four kids (10, 8, 5, and 3) loved. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a children’s story about community and appreciating nature. We will for sure be reading this one again. ARC provided by NetGalley.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! Linden is a tree who just wants to be what he is. As an important part of the community, everyone loves Linden and people are sad when the tree dies. Happily, Linden has left behind the possibility of regrowth. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Sharalyn Edgeberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some days, Linden dreams of being a lighthouse or a barn. But he is just a tree. It's a heartwarming story with the members of the community enjoying Linden's presence in their courtyard with a surprise ending. Colleen Muske's illustrations are dynamic and gorgeous. The colors are rich and vibrant.

[Becky McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about the Linden tree. This is a full-circle story about a tree and a community. The tree hopes to become something else and the community that loved it. End the end the tree leaves a wonderful gift to the community that loved it. A wonderful story with beautiful illustrations.

[Julia Shelburne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a great message about a beloved tree just being a tree. The illustrations in this book are beautiful, especially depicting the tree in all four seasons! I love the community in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Marble Press for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[BooksAsDreams (Tiffany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special story about nature, love, and the timeless power of community. This children’s story has elements of growth, nurture, loss, and regrowth. In this story, Linden dreams of being a red barn full of horses or a lighthouse to see over the sea. In the end, the power of Linden’s being and his addition to the community is enough.

A beautifully illustrated ode to the seasons of life and what a tree adds to a community. Great story for readers of all ages to understand community and the power of love. Set to release in March 2024. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC! #Linden

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Linden: The Story of a Tree’ with story and art by Colleen Muske is a picture book about a tree who dreams about being more and has a legacy never expected.

Linden lives in the courtyard of a building. Linden knows other trees become grander things that are also grander trees, but Linden is happy providing shade and a place for children to play. Linden sees snowy winters with carolers and summer picnics and children grow

The story’s simple message of contentment is resonant with readers through the text and gentle illustrations. Linden offers a glimpse of a world full of community and people getting along that is comforting to me and will be for young readers.

[Abby (the_rainydayreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Linden is a short picture book about a community of people who love and care for a beautiful old tree in their town. The colorful illustrations depict a diverse group of people and how they positively interact with the tree (singing under it, reading in the branches, etc.) through the years and all the seasons. The text is not rhyming but the lines are short and easy to read on each page.

There is an emotional moment in the book when the tree gets sick and dies, but it leaves a seed that grows into a new tree. So in a way, this book is also about grief and new beginnings.

I like this book and would recommend this for children between the ages of 7-10.

[Elizabeth Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful children's book about trees and how a tree can bring a community together. Loved the illustrations and the respect for ecology. I imagine readers young and old will love this book. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linden: The Story of a Tree and the Community that Loves Him (Hardcover)
by Colleen Muske
The life of a tree is taken for granted.
This book is a beautiful reminiscent reminder of life's connections to nature.
The culture and its embrace of the single large tree shows the possibility of positive relationships with nature.
Something the modern society over looks is the need to connect to nature.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A soft palette of muted colors in illustrations created with watercolors and gouache complement a story that is perfect for ecowarriors and Earth Day. Over the years a sapling planted in a courtyard grows into a sturdy, enormous tree. There are moments when the tree, which is called Linden, wishes to be something other than a tree--maybe some sort of sound structure--but overall, he is content with his lot in life. After all, he's the center of the community, and many of their happy moments and celebrations take place beneath his branches. But trees like Linden don't last forever, and eventually, he sickens and dies. But to his friends' surprise, there is life in the old tree yet, and something sprouts from his remains. Having seen this with some of the trees in my own yard, the ending delighted me although it didn't surprise me. What a neat story about being satisfied with one's lot in life! The illustrations make Linden seem as though he had a positive impact on those around him and offers hope to those left behind. Those high-reaching branches and sturdy limbs and trunks as well as his abundant leaves are quite showy, changing color as the seasons change.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly! It never ceases to amaze me how picture book authors and illustrators can weave such emotion into a small space (38 pages to be exact).

As the name suggests, Linden is a story about a tree, a Linden, or American Basswood, tree that grew and lived in the courtyard of an apartment complex. Being an Ohioan, and a whittler, the American Linden tree has special significance to me as it is one of the major, if not oft forgotten, trees that make up Ohio forests. It is also very important to the local bee populations.

But I digress.

Linden, the titular tree, was loved by their community and, in turn, loved them back. Giving shade in the hot summer months, being a perfect seat to write poems, or just a strong branch to hold up the laundry line. This book also shows that in nature, the end is never really the end, but just the last page of a chapter, and there is always a new chapter, ready with a new story to share. As the life of Linden the tree ends and is hauled away, a new Linden sprouts up from the still intact roots.
Trees are great ways to teach us more about ourselves, and this book excels at it.

[Caroline McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this title. This is my honest review.

Linden: The Story of a Tree is at its heart a beautifully written and illustrated book exploring the themes of belonging and community, gently touching on the cyclical nature of life in a way that is accessible for young children.

Linden shows us how we each have an important role to play in the lives of those closest to us. In Lindens Case, he is loved by everyone. A pillar of stability in the heart of his community, he provides shade, joy and comfort throughout the year as he moves through the seasons with his fellow residents, watching over and helping them as they go about their daily lives and celebrations.

Linden is a wonderful read for all ages, prompting conversations about love, loss, and the everlasting impact of leaving a positive legacy.

The painterly, textural illustrations beautifully depict the diverse and colourful world in which Linden resides, complimenting the story and heartfelt message perfectly.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book has nice illustrations and a sweet story about a tree's role in a community over the years, creating a gathering place for the people who live nearby. I appreciated the message, but I felt that some of the ideas were so abstract that they might be a little confusing for young children. This will probably appeal the most to older kids and adults.

Parents of sensitive readers should know that towards the end of the book, the tree gets sick and has to be chopped down. A new sapling later sprouts from its old roots, and the book ends on a hopeful note, but because the story portrays the tree as being both sentient and relational, its demise may be upsetting for some sensitive kids. The book portrays a cycle of death and rebirth in nature, but because it personifies the tree, the story is a little heavier than some families may prefer.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linden is a beautifully written story about a tree central to its community and loved by all who live there. Linden serves as a gathering place and common thread, helping a diverse community gather together to celebrate the seasons and daily life throughout the year, proving that its simple goal of remaining a tree is just as noble if not more so than of those transformed into other, grander structures.

A wonderful conversation starter for community, conservation, nature, life cycles, love, loss, etc, Linden provides helpful context for more complex themes for readers of all ages.

The artwork for Linden is a beautiful pairing with its heartfelt message. Done in a colorful and painterly style, it gives the reader clever peeks into the lives and surroundings of the diverse community members who all share a love for Linden.

Thank you to the publisher for the ADC. This is my honest review.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linden is my favorite character ever. He is a tree who is nurtured by his community and he in turn takes care of them the way that trees take care of this planet. This is the REAL giving tree in that there is no selfishness in either the community or the tree-- there is only sharing and living and enjoying and embracing. The illustrations are perfect, and the humans in the community are diverse and representative. Even if Linden is "just" a tree, he nurtures his environment and his neighborhood and his community. The passing of the seasons suggests growth and joy. Linden loved being decorated for Christmas. The cycle of life catches up with all of us, and thus Linden meets his natural end and is mourned by his community. However, plants have a secret immortality that humans do not-- and Linden's immortality is hinted in the final page. Glorious and full of life without being preachy or having ponderous messaging. This is perfect.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book celebrates the life of a tree and the community surrounding it. The humans around Linden love the beautiful tree--we see that through all of the seasons and year after year, but one spring, Linden gets sick. The community shows love and supports the tree by doing things like making a scarf, writing poetry, and playing music, but Linden doesn't get better. After the tree is removed, the community continues, and a new baby linden tree grows from the spot where the old tree once was. A lovely story of the circle of life filled with beautiful illustrations. Highly recommended for homes, schools, and libraries!

[Carol Doeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book tells a lovely story about the love a community has for a tree. Linden, the (anthropomorphized) tree, wishes he could be something more, like becoming the wood that builds a lighthouse or a barn. But in contrast to Linden feeling that he’s ‘just a tree,’ his human community loves him and celebrates all that he brings into their lives. Through both its text and beautiful art, this story is a terrific conversation starter about the life cycle of trees and the role they play in our lives. I highly recommend this touching and informative book.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title pretty much says it all: this is simply the story of Linden, who is only a tree, but he means so much in the lives of everyone who lives near him. There's a lovely but melancholy feel to this circle-of-life tale, and it made me tear up a bit at the end.

With beautiful illustrations by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Marble Press for sharing.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley
Linden is a tree. He is planted in the courtyard of an apartment building. Aa the seasons pass and Linden grows, the neighbors grow to love Linden and include him in their celebrations. Then one day linden no longer blooms. He has grown too tall and too old. Although Linden leaves the courtyard, he has left behind something for those who loved him. The beautiful illustrations bring Linden to life.

[Jeanette Fazzari Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought a story about a tree could have me on the edge of my seat! The text carries you through the life of a beautiful tree and its community. The illustrations are warm and inviting. Everything about it made me want to plant a special tree for generations to come. This story would be perfect for Arbor Day or Earth Day celebrations, but will also be a bedtime favorite, read again and again.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book written and illustrated by Colleen Muske, shows how nature can bring a community together through seasons, over time, and how a tree serves to be a meeting place for generations to gather. The illustrations are magical with a changing color palate that serves the story well. Nice STEM elements combine with the story of kindness and community making this a great addition for home, school, and library collections.

[Alicia Schwab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have watched this story grow from a sapling to a beautifully written and illustrated picture book. Colleen Muske’s bright patterns and lovely language create a warm, reassuring message of community and belonging. In this tale, the give-and-take between tree-and-people goes both ways. I recommend Linden to kids everywhere.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to have an advanced reading of this beautiful and uplifting picture book. The story of Linden the tree and the community that surrounds him is a testament to how nature and humans go hand in hand through life. Colleen Muske’s simple prose and bright, warm illustrations invite the reader to sit under Linden’s branches and become a part of his community.

[K. Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linden is the beautiful story of a tree that weaves in the joy of community and the loving relationship that can exist between humans and nature. Colleen Muske accomplishes all of this through her gorgeous illustrations and spare, stunning language. I highly recommend it for children as well as adults who love picture books!

[Lindsey McDivitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of us love trees and have particular trees as touchstones in our lives. This picture book "Linden" speaks to this with heartwarming text and lush, gorgeous illustrations. Even my 3 year old grandson already mourns the loss of a big mature tree. I know Linden's story will touch the hearts of people of all ages.

[Sarah Kurpiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender story about the impact one tree has on a community through the seasons. In small but important ways, Linden helps, inspires, and brings people together. Lyrical words and colorful, inviting pictures. Recommended.