Big Tree

by Brian Selznick

The fate of all life on Earth may depend on the bravery of two little seeds in this epic adventure from the #1 New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Medalist of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

"Hello, stars. I thought I heard you calling me."

A mysterious voice has been speaking to Louise in her dreams. She and her brother Merwin are Sycamore seeds, who hope to one day set down roots and become big trees. But when a fire forces them to leave their mama tree prematurely, they find themselves catapulted into the unknown, far from home. Alone and unprepared, they must use their wits and imagination to navigate a dangerous world—filled with dinosaurs, meteors, and volcanoes!—and the fear of never finding a safe place to grow up. As the mysterious voice gets louder, Louise comes to realize their mission in life may be much bigger than either of them ever could have imagined!

Brimming with humor, wonder, mystery, and a profound sense of hope, Big Tree is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300 pages of breathtaking pictures. It is Selznick's most imaginative and far-reaching work to date and a singular reading experience for the whole family.

The audiobook edition of Big Tree is brought magnificently to life by Meryl Streep and features music composed by Ernest Troost.

"The tale of the natural world is the greatest story we have to tell, and Brian delivers a brilliant chapter of that tale throughout the pages of Big Tree." —Steven Spielberg

"We need brave, big stories like [Big Tree]." —The New York Times Book Review

"Has the power to intrigue... affecting." —The Wall Street Journal

"An enthralling and expansive meditation on what it means to be alive on this planet." —Booklist, starred review

"A balanced and rich book. . . . Powerful." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred and recommended review

"In evocative prose and peppery dialogue . . . the cinematic story journeys across time and space, contemplating the power of life to heal." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A special, one-of-a-kind book for the whole family that readers won't soon forget." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Masterful." —The Horn Book, starred review

"Inspirational, important, and beautiful. A fable for our times." —Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee and Ground Zero

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Nature, Childrens, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction

528 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2023

About the author

Hello there. My name is Brian Selznick and I’m the author and illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I was born in 1966 in New Jersey. I have a sister who is a teacher, a brother who is a brain surgeon, and five nephews and one niece. I studied at The Rhode Island School of Design and after I graduated from college I worked at Eeyore’s Books for Children in New York City. I learned all about children’s books from my boss Steve Geck who is now an editor of children’s books at Greenwillow. While I was at Eeyore’s I also painted the windows for holidays and book events.

My first book, The Houdini Box, which I both wrote and illustrated, was published in 1991 while I was still working at the bookstore. Since then, I have illustrated many books for children, including Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan and The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley, which received a 2001 Caldecott Honor.

I have also written a few other books myself, including The Boy of a Thousand Faces, but The Invention of Hugo Cabret is by far the longest and most involved book I’ve ever worked on.

I live in Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California.

Reviews

[Carolyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another artistic masterpiece from one of the greatest storytellers!

[Zac · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I’m certainly in the minority here with this one. Got half way through (even that felt like a trek)and I was just bored. I’ve loved Brian Selznick’s other books so I had high hopes for this one. I usually love how he tells the story with his illustrations but even the illustrations were boring.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might’ve teared up a few times 🤧

[Sophie Kozak · Rating 5 out of 5]

life began as a gift, and in the end the only thing left was love.
(everyone needs to read this)

[Jesse (JesseTheReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this book wasn't originally Brian's idea, but damn! he knocked it out of the park. An incredibly unique and thrilling adventure!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something fascinating about this story about two sycamore seeds who are looking for a place to take root and grow. If you're interested in nature, the environment or reading a story from the point of view of a seed, this is for you. This is also for anyone who has liked Brian Selznick's work uses both text and illustrations to tell the story. (For those who are not familiar with his work, it's kind of like watching an animated short or film.)
Well-researched, it includes an afterword with bibliography and the science behind the story. Could it be a 2024 Newbery Award or Honor book? For those who want to learn the story behind the story, checkout the section titled (aptly) called Planting the Seed.

[Melissa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine who is a teacher gave me a copy of this. Looking forward to reading it. 😊🌳

This is one of the most adorable books I've ever read. It's about two seeds who have to find their way to go lay down their roots to become trees. This is about their adventures. It's so well written and sweet. I really, really enjoyed reading this. It was written in 2023 so they didn't have this book back when I was in school. I absolutely loved it. Definitely recommend for a mostly feel good read. Happy reading! 💚🌲💚🌴

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I love many of Selznick’s other books. But sadly, I did not.
The illustrations did not have the wonderful complexity and details that his other books had. The story line felt forced and somewhat simplistic. The science was complex and accurate. However, it felt to me that the characters and plot were being driven by the science.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

this felt like when the videos on Instagram make you cry from watching yarn unravel... quite touching, and interesting storyline

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a huge Brian Selznick fan and have beautiful memories of reading Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck WITH my boys. Selznick’s beautiful illustrations do not just support the story, they are a part of the story and meant to be “read” along with the text, something my kids were all too happy to contribute.

Big Tree tackles a BIG subject, the creation of earth, from the perspective of two tiny sycamore seeds trying to grow up and find their place in the world. It explores the circle of life through the lens of the plant kingdom and just how interconnected living things are. If you have read The Hidden Life of Trees, you will recognize the “ambassadors” characters as mycorrhizal fungi. That has to be one of the first times they’ve had a starring role in a children’s book!

Although not quite as magical as some of his other books, Big Tree is a beautiful story that touches at the heart of family, community and environmental stewardship.

[Isabel Bryan [the Bookmark Hoarder] · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this, since I've loved all of Selznick's other novels (Hugo, Wonderstruck, The Marvels). But I was disappointed in this one. It was very difficult to relate to a story about personified plants. Yes I cared about finding out if the seeds survived. I enjoyed the drawings, as always. And I appreciated that it closed with a W. S. Merwin poem. But that was about all the positives.

The science inserted throughout the story felt like it didn't belong there, or could've been incorporated into the story better. It felt like the science was the point of the story rather than the story itself. And though I enjoyed the illustrations, it seemed there were fewer full page illustrations than there were in Selznick's other books.

[Milton Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the natural world on Earth told half through words on a page and the other half through black and white images. We follow the lives of two seeds from a Sycamore tree as they fall from their mother tree to take root to grow themselves. On their journey to do this they meet some unexpected plants and animals. When it is time to do what they were made to do, will they trust their instincts?

This is a really great book that takes on the big, cinematic scope of how the Earth was created and how nature is all connected, but putting into a format that explains it so even children can understand the complexity, or maybe simplicity of it all. I love nature and this book was right up my ally! A great read for anyone of all ages.

Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!

Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Spens (Sphynx Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Selznick has truly solidified his place as my favorite author of all time. Even though this is my least favorite work of his, I just absolutely love how much each of his books are a labor of love and an exploration of a theme or a topic Selznick feels passionately about. This book reads younger than his previous works but still has a lot of heart and captivating art.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like between this and Kaleidoscope Selznick is in his experimental phase with storytelling (which is saying a lot because the form he uses most--a huge amount of pictures interspersed with text--is already quite innovative and different from most books being published) and I'm here for it. A story about nature from nature's perspective? Set in the Cretaceous period? About trees and specifically seeds? I'm not sure if you pitched me that I would think it could work. But this did, for me at least.

It's about a Merwin and Louise, seed siblings who are released from their seed pod in the middle of a forest fire tragedy and must fly on the wind to find a new place to grow. There's lots of science involved (definitely read the back matter; it's fascinating), but at its heart it's a story of love and siblings and the care we want to take with the Earth. I found it sweet and compelling and delightful, and think it could work as a read aloud to younger kids (with the caveat to caregivers that mama tree dies) as well as a book independent readers in grades 3-5 would enjoy.

It weirdly tied in with another book I'm reading An Immense World as that one asks you to try to look at the world from the animal point of view, and this one had me contemplating how plants experience the world. If you're a fan of Selznick's other work, definitely check it out.

[Cesco · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re very small, but small things grow. And you can work with others. That’s called a community. And in your community, you can feel safe and loved.”

I had no expectations for this one. I didn’t know who the author was, or that it would have beautiful illustrations. I don’t generally read kids books, but this was a really sweet story about a brother and sister. There is so much to read into with this one, and a fair bit of quotes that really stood out. Super quick read with a lovely story.

I received an ARC for this.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Brian Selznick fan (I’ve even met him twice!) and I was unsure about the premise of this book. I loved it. It is beautifully illustrated and the prose is exceptional. BUT I am not sure I’ll order this for my elementary school library because this book begs for a careful reading with an adult to explain things as the book unfolds. There isn’t anything controversial but I am afraid a quick read won’t uncover all this book has to offer.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big beautiful book that will bring good tears at the end.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Carolyn Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well illustrated and based on scientific facts

Two tree seeds have many adventures while trying to find a place to take root and grow. The art alone makes this a wonderful book for all ages. Poems and narrative explain science facts, what plants need to grow, and life cycles with dialogue and even humor. Creative and captivating! This is a book to read again and again.

This book was almost a Steven Spielberg movie until the pandemic ruined that plan. It would be a magnificent film.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly narrated by actress Meryl Streep, this graphic tale takes us back in time, when dinosaurs roamed the planet. Sycamore seedlings, Louise and Merwin, journey from seed to tree. A powerful message of the beginning of our planet to the current day. A must read for families.

[Halli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about the importance of protecting the natural world. Selznick’s illustrations are captivating as always, and make me feel so many things. This book should be read by everyone and would be wonderful as a read-aloud for families with children of multiple ages.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Tree is a: hopeful, beautiful, adventurous, and sweet book. It is a story about nature from nature's point of view. The planet's under an existential threat by a fire that forces them to leave their mama tree early. Louise and Merwin find themselves catapulted into the unknown, far from home. The two little seeds decide to go on a journey and find a safe place to grow. It's a story of a brother and sister trying to survive against all odds and figure out how they will save the world.

This book is amazing. The author puts us in the point of view of a seed and makes us care and love watching the journey. We can easily relate to their thoughts, fears, dreams, and passions. I think we can all understand how it feels to be tiny and helpless when we cannot control this big world.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful book about Earth and the natural world. Since it's not a new favorite part of me feels like I should rate it 4 stars, but it made me feel all the emotions(the illustration of the branches from the two trees meeting and holding each other straight up made me weep), so I'm going to give it the full 5 stars.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most talented storytellers of our generation. Hands down. I don’t know if kids will love this, some will, but adults will love this! Don’t let the huge size fool you!!! It’s 50% (roughly) illustrations so it’s a quick book to read. I read it in an afternoon with a cup of tea :)

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about two seeds that go on a huge journey, get separated, then are reunited.

The illustrations are wonderful, unsurprisingly, but the story mostly didn't engage me, till the touching reunion between siblings.

[Scott Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A life story of two little seeds. They start on their mother's branches and find their way through many adventures as they try to find a place to settle their roots.
This book felt like a homerun swing, but the ball never left the ballpark. It was interesting to read and I always love Brian Selznick's work, but it wasn't nearly as good as Hugo Cabret or Wonderstruck .

[Mitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem! Two things -- you should know that 1) my undergraduate degree was in horticulture so I love plants and nature and 2) I'm a retired elementary teacher and I still love middle grade books! That might be enough to explain my love of this book by Brian Selznick but there's so much more! Yes, it's a touching and sweet story about the journey of 2 seeds as they grow and develop into trees. But it also reminds us about life in general--how important all forms of life are and how we might better navigate our own journeys by taking to heart the tips that Louise and Merwin, the 2 sycamore seeds, offer. The icing on the cake . . . Meryl Streep is the narrator and she does a fantastic job! You were right, Sandy!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like a warm hug. Meryl Streep shines as the narrator of the audiobook by bringing so much life to each character with different voices.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, beautiful, I cried a little

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

As always, Selznick's illustrations are stunning. You can easily read it in a sitting, but it may take a few more days to digest and chew through some of the worldviews presented here.

If this had been a Steven Spielberg movie like it was supposed to be..."until covid," my guess is that it wouldn't have stunned-- the plot follows two faceless seed siblings as they blast through billions of ages to find themselves saving the planet. Epic trajectory maybe, but...not earth-shattering. :)

The book contains a section in the back labeled "The Science" to explain the sprinkling of little science nuggets among the pages of what is probably an intellectually accepted creation account. In it, matter is preexisting (think: asteroids bring simple life to earth, and two planets collide and have a baby, the moon) The book is truthful in the sense that this view of how the world was created is just as 'religious' and mythical as they come. However, a world that comes through random exchanges of matter undermine the novel's effort to show the seeds' worth and purpose in existing to save the planet from certain demise. I wasn't moved.

Redemption? There is some sense of sacrifice as trees release seeds for future generations, but the seeds sent out through this book to the next generation merely communicate a design-less, faceless creation that must hope and long for the gentle oneness and release into...oblivion through Mother Earth?

It's my hope that the fruit of this book mirrors the parable of seeds that fall on rich soil, as readers feeling dissatisfied and hungry after this account, quest for the Truth that allows for all creation to have design, purpose, and telos.

“ Under the guise of teaching science, a philosophical battle is being waged. And if Christians do not frame the philosophical issues, someone else will do it, and they will not balk at preaching their message even to small children.” —Nancy Pearcey