Tree Thing
When Rinti the squirrel finds a glowing little acorn on the forest floor, she scoops it up and takes it to her friend, Marlo. Nothing grows in the valley where they live, but Marlo plants the seed in the hope that something will come of it. To his amazement, the acorn grows into the most wonderful Tree Thing, which changes everything. However, when a mysterious Rider arrives, bearing an axe and threatening to destroy Tree Thing, Marlo must find the courage and ingenuity needed to face him and save Tree Thing.
Thought-provoking and powerful, ‘Tree Thing’ is a story deeply rooted in the beauty of the natural world. It carries a plea for its protection and bursts with hope for change. It is quite extraordinary.
Piers Torday says that this story was in part inspired by the senseless destruction of the ‘Sycamore Gap Tree’ found along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. A favourite place to visit, my family and I were, like so many, horrified to hear of its having been illegally felled and have since visited the remaining stump and taken heart in the signs of new life sprouting there. In ‘Tree Thing’, the life of all trees is celebrated, including the amazing contribution they make in feeding, sheltering and sustaining so much other life. The beauty and power of Tree Thing brings life and hope to Marlo and the people living in his valley and when the Rider appears, intent on destruction, it is through Marlo’s determination to champion and protect Tree Thing that change is possible, offering hope for the future.
Themes of environmental protection and conservation in children’s books are no new thing; however, ‘Tree Thing’ is wonderfully original, almost fairy tale like in its form. The illustrations add much to the magical feeling of the story, capturing poignant, humorous and wonderful moments perfectly! ‘Tree Thing’ would make a fascinating class text for children to explore and enjoy whilst gaining much from the beautiful use of language and imagery.
A special story!
Tree Thing
Piers Torday, illustrated by Matthew Taylor Wilson
Hachette ISBN: 978-1786541482
You can read my review of ‘Midnight Treasure’ here and ‘Wolf Crown’ here.
