The Magical Tree: A Children's Book Inspired by Gustav Klimt

Children’s Books Inspired by Famous Artworks

by Myriam Ouyessad

Inspired by Klimt s famous mural "The Tree of Life," this dreamily illustrated children s book tells the story of a magical tree whose fruit saves lives. Painted during the artist s golden period, Gustav Klimt s "The Tree of Life" has been interpreted in myriad ways. This children s book deftly incorporates the mysteries and depth of Klimt s masterpiece into a story for young readers. A young man is given a seed that grows into a beautiful fruit-bearing tree. After tasting the fruit, he can see into the future, including events that will put the lives of others in danger. A king and his lovely princess daughter test the boy s predictions, and love ensues. As children turn the pages of this exquisite book, they will be drawn into the intricately detailed and boldly colored illustrations, which echo Klimt s own artistry. The book includes a gorgeous reproduction of "The Tree of Life," along with information about Klimt and his work. Designed to encourage children to discover new details each time they open the pages, this is a charming book that will be read over and over again."

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2016

Reviews

[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story for children.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous art inspired by Gustav Klimt -- beautiful homage -- and lyrical poetic writing. Great for kids and elders to enjoy together. Themes of art and patience and wisdom and faith and love of nature...

Glad to have found this gem at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art this weekend.

[Valeria Midobuche · Rating 4 out of 5]

“La vieja Minoa guardaba un tesoro de valor incalculable. Una semilla del tamaño de tu puño y brillante como el oro. Había llegado el momento de confiarla a alguien más joven que velaría por ella.”

Las ilustraciones son preciosas 🤩

[Tatyana Naumova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ну не Климт

[Veerlibros Jeaque Vargas R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basada en el Friso del Palacio de Stoclet, compuesto por tres mosaicos: La espera, El árbol de la vida y El beso... esta sencilla historia nos lleva a conocer a Gustav Klimt y su obra. Las bellas ilustraciones sin todo un homenaje al artista presente en cada página por medio de las tonalidades con sus brillos áureos y las formas geométricas.

Al igual que al árbol de semilla única, a las obras de arte las debemos cuidar y proteger, admirar y alimentarnos de ellas...

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art inspired by Gustav Klimt. The story was mysterious and intriguing. This book led me to learning about more of Klimt's paintings beyond his probably most famous one, The Kiss, and the backmatter supplied information on his life and the thought processes of the author and illustrator.
It could make for a good art activity and introduction to Klimt and his style, with a focus on shapes and patterns in art.

[Y.Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

read English version

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated album sure to awaken artistic sensitivities.

[RosaDG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by a work by Gustav Klimt, the frieze of the Stocklet Palace (Brussels) that represents the Tree of Life, as a central theme, this beautiful story tells us about nature, love and life as a treasure that we must care for and cultivate to become complete and happy human beings.

Gustav Klimt-en obra batean inspiratuta, Biziaren Arbola irudikatzen duen Stocklet jauregiko (Brusela) frisoan, bere gai nagusi gisa, istorio eder honek natura, maitasuna eta bizitzaren berri ematen digu zaindu eta landu behar dugun altxor gisa. gizaki oso eta zoriontsu bihurtzeko.

Inspirado en una obra de Gustav Klimt, el friso del Palacio Stocklet (Bruselas) que representa el Árbol de la vida, como tema central, este precioso cuento nos habla de la naturaleza, el amor y la vida como un tesoro que debemos cuidar y cultivar para llegar a convertirnos en seres humanos completos y felices.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colorful children's book about Klimt. Suitable for classroom.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED the story and the art of this book!