The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life From Old

by Maciej Michno, Danio Miserocchi, Valentina Gottardi (Illustrator)

Genres: Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2025

Reviews

[YSBR]

This picture book is a delightful blend of scientific information, and an appreciation for the magic of natural processes that can transform the forest floor. A “dead” tree slowly reveals itself to be anything other than an inert lump of wood, but is instead a diverse landscape of organisms engaged in various activities vital to the functioning of a forest ecosystem. Organisms in most of the  illustrations are accompanied by a small letter, corresponding to a short description of the role the organism plays in the decomposition process, or the wider ecosystem niche. Some organisms are labeled like a scientific diagram to better explain the biological role they play. These roles range from strict metabolic pathways, to young mammals using the fallen tree as a playground, which I thought was a nice touch. There are a few double page-spread illustrations without words, emphasizing the wonder of the animals, plants, and fungi populating this story.

I especially liked the use of color in the illustrations, as the original “dead” tree is in shades of gray, while the burgeoning world of organisms around it are in full color. Overall, the style and concept of the artwork perfectly fit the story and scope of the text, and I would go as far to say that the illustrations will be the central draw of the book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Tonja Drecker]

While on its surface, this read concentrates on the decay of a tree and the scientific aspects of everything involved, these pages also carry an artistic layer to make it well-rounded.

The journey begins with a subtle nudge as the illustration of a dreary thunderstorm acts as the backdrop to the Table of Contents. It sticks out just enough to grab a little attention, while glancing over the chapters and page numbers, but first makes sense when the page is flipped to show the fallen tree. This tree is shown in black and white, and first takes on color as the 'second' life begins with insects, fungi, and more. Still, this book isn't only artistic. Rather, it takes a slightly dryer, nonfiction direction in the text as it introduces the various aspects of the decay as well as the different life forms involved. These are presented in an organized fashion with details and information clearly pointed out and explained. Still, the illustrations carry the beauty throughout the book and add a nice balance to the information.

The text fits nicely to those readers, who are sure of their words, but not quite ready to dive into middle grade novels, yet. Some of the vocabulary pushes the word skills, and these terms are added to a glossary at the end. Even the science aspect doesn't talk down to the age group, but lightly nudges toward themes such as mineral transport in the trees, bacteria, and more.

This makes a nice read for classroom themes, homeschoolers, or nature enthusiasts.

[S46354595]

Such a cute and sweet book about death in nature and how it can help so many things to grow and thrive.