Tree

by Claire Saxby, Jess Racklyeft

A journey of wonder and discovery from multi-award-winning picture book creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft, exploring the life in and around a mighty mountain ash, including a stunning fold-out page showing the full length of the tree.

Can you see the forest on this misty-morning mountain? Can you see where the tree stands? It is the tallest in this forest of tall trees. This tree is older than those who find it, younger than the land it grows from. Between sapwood and heartwood, water rises and energy flows. Listen to the leaves bustle. Smell the forest air. This is the world of the tree.

In the vein of Iceberg – marrying deep scientific research, lyrical language and stunning illustrations – multi-award-winning and highly acclaimed creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft return with a change in environment, from ocean to land. Their new collaboration follows a mighty tree, from the bottom of its roots up to the tips of its upper branches.

Iceberg won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award and was a Notable Book in the Eve Pownall Awards.

'Tree invites readers into the forest, asking them to close their eyes to imagine the sounds and breathe in the fresh air. Curious young minds aged 5+ will lap up this journey of discovery.' Books+Publishing

Genres: Environment, Childrens

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2024

About the author

An Australian writer of fiction, non fiction and poetry for children

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully presented non-fiction narrative that celebrates the place a tree in the eco-system.

The illustrations are colourful and bold to indicate the landscape and setting rather than accurate detail. This works well for the audience and there is much to search for with reference to the creatures that inhabit the environment. , although they do not provide sharp detail, the pictures suggest the landscape which the tree inhabits, and the wildlife also found there.

fold out pages toward the end emphasise the mightiness of this majestic tree but, cut exactly to page size. they do not easily fold back in - damage will occur.

[Stef (Noveltea Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tree, written be Claire Saxby and illustrated by Jess Racklyeft, is an absolutely gorgeous narrative non-fiction picturebook about a 300 year old mountain ash and the impact it has on the flora and fauna in its environment. It’s part narrative, part non-fiction, part call-to-action to environmentalism and caring for the incredible nature in the world around us. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to read more, to learn more about the world around you. It invites you in, sharing the secrets of the trees with beautiful word choice and stunning illustrations. (And let’s not forget the fun fold-out poster!)

Thank you to the publisher, @allenandunwin, for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me marvel at the multiple networks in nature that trees help to facilitate 💚

[Agneza Huljev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't remember much about it, just came through my hands checking in books at the library. Just was struck by how very beautiful the illustrations and perspectives in this book are. Hopefully we'll meet again.