Dial Books | 978-0593112595

Have you seen the tree in me by Corinna Luyken? One look at the cover with its gorgeous gouache, pencil, and ink illustrations in bright – almost florescent – pinks and yellows, oranges and golds and you know this is a book you must have.  It makes my heart happy and it will yours, too!

the tree in me

is strong.

It bends,

and has roots that go deep …

illustration by © Corinna Luyken

The flap copy describes the book as a “celebration of the strength and wonder within each of us… a joyful meditation on the interconnectedness of every living thing.” This it is.

It’s a book you’ll want to sit with. Think about. Examine. Ponder. How is the tree in me part apple? How is the tree in me seed and blossom, bark and stump? In what ways are we connected, one to another and to other living things?

Some of the lines of the poem/picture book aren’t as readily understandable as others, but that is part of the beauty of the book. It begs the reader take her time, savor the words and illustrations, consider more deeply possible connections and the author’s meanings, and revisit the story over multiple re-readings.

illustration by © Corinna Luyken

Pick up a copy of the tree in me and enjoy this recent post and review of the book by Maria Popova on Brainpickings.