A Tree is a Time Machine

by Sears (Illustrator), Tom Sears (illustrator)

Take a step back, slow down and see the big picture in this warm, witty and beautifully illustrated book for children and adults celebrating our precious time on Earth.

You are invited to travel through the ages in the company of a 4,000-year-old yew tree named Eunice, whose perspective on time is a little bit different to our own. Her wisdom will get you why is humanity in such a rush lately? Why does time fly and sometimes drag? And how can the actions of one generation change things for those who follow?

Guiding you on a journey from the extremely long past to the head-spinning present and the unshaped future, Eunice reminds us that in a world that seems to be travelling at warp speed, taking your time is sometimes the best thing you can do. After all, some of the most important things in life can't be sped up.

A Tree is a Time Machine is an antidote to uncertain times, and the perfect gift for anyone who has ever felt like they just want the world to slow down.

Genres: Picture Books

80 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

See author Sears, Roebuck and Co. for pre-1925 product cataloges and historic home plans.

Reviews

[Lucy Lightning · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intricate picture book following the passage of time through the life of a tree, offering an interesting perspective on human life and how we spend our time.

Giving an alarming wake up call to the life we lead today, and how inventions meant to save time have primarily led to us wasting it.

Beautiful illustrations, with page format changing throughout to suit the tone of the narration, as well as keep younger readers engaged. This book walks the line between story and information, making it a great entry point for introducing non-fiction to little ones.

I personally shed a tear towards the end, and will bet that few reads will be able to keep a dry eye.

A Tree is a Time Machine is definitely worth a read!

[Jessica Brownlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. Taking you through time from the perspective of a tree, demonstrating just how small we really are. It beautifully shines a light on the rapid impact humans have had on the world and it calls on us to slow down and become more thoughtful. It is truly eye-opening book that challenges you with the shocking reality of our impact, all while interweaving humour seamlessly. Since getting this book a few days ago, I have read it 3 times and cried every. single. time. It is a pretty life-changing book that every child and adult should read. Please read this book!!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and moving meditation on time and how one might spend it, with a nod toward caring for the planet and future humans. I teared up at the end.

EDIT: I’m cataloging it as a picture book so as many kids/families come across it as possible.

[Anna Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a life-changing book. So challenging yet so funny. The illustrations alone are impactful and have so much meaning. Everyone should read this book.

[Iva Cizkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inkluzivní čtení o čase. Vyznání lásky a popis dnešní doby. Vše podané tak, aby se i malé čtenářstvo na chvíli zastavilo a nadechlo se...