The Happiest Tree

February 11, 2019
A ginkgo narrates this pensive story about passing time, connection, and perspective: “I moved to this building when I was ten years old,” it explains. As it grows, it comes to know the building’s residents, including an artist who has created a painting of the tree: “for the first time ever, I could see myself.” In Lee’s airy, sensitive art, readers regard the tree’s moods and emotional states throughout the seasons and years: “My times with the Kong family were some of the happiest of my life,” the tree says, its leaves cascading over a family and its dogs. When the tree is 20, it reaches the apartment of a lonely elderly woman, and it feels sad. Lee’s conclusion, however, is heartening, as the tree grows tall enough to see others: “I am the happiest ginkgo tree in my town.” Lee conveys a wise and true sentiment through the protagonist: in any life will come both periods of transition and moments of unexpected joy. Ages 2–5.

May 24, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-Tall and narrow like a tree, this beautifully illustrated title is a bit unusual. It is a story about growing up, as told by a ginko tree. Careful readers, conscious of detail, will see the 10-year-old tree being lifted out of the truck to be planted outside an apartment and watch as the tree grows and "meets" each neighbor, as it watches through the windows and into the apartments. When the tree reaches the second floor, it meets an artist who uses the tree for inspiration and begins to recognize itself. The tree continues to grow, and some of the illustrations show the tree outside and interacting with the the tenants. Sometimes viewers see the tree through a window in an apartment and view the alternate perspective. On some pages, the tree experiences the sadness of empty apartments and eventually the tree-at 25-plus years-clears the roof and can see other trees and the surrounding neighborhood. It is the "happiest ginkgo tree in my town." This is a quiet story with incredible illustrations. The shades of green and brown match the seasons; the tree's mood and mirror the soft, gentle story. VERDICT Probably best suited for one-on-one reading, this title will engage readers and encourage the sharing of stories about growth and change as well as the seasons. Young readers will probably be pleasantly surprised to see how long a tree can live.-Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

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