My Heart Was a Tree
My walk was the walk of a human child, but my heart was a tree.
-Ted Hughes
Inspired by the bluebell woods behind his house, the story of Jean Giono (the man who planted trees) and the poem the above quote is taken from, ‘My Own True Family’, this book is a love song to trees.
Yuval’s glorious illustrations make the book visually stunning, a fitting tribute to the lush richness of trees and the abundant life which they support. From the insect and leaf strewn end papers and hard cover under hidden beneath the dust jacket to the , each page is beautifully decorated.
The collection contains both stories and poems, some taking the viewpoint of the trees themselves, some about the animals who live in and around them and some about the people who rely on their bounty. One of my favourites, ‘I Was There’ is written as if by an olive tree which witnesses Penelope, wife of Odysseus, longing for her husband, his return and then the writing of the poem by Homer. Another, ‘A Whisper of Blossom’, is accompanied by a note about van Gogh’s painting ‘Almond Blossom’, giving the reader some context for the poem. ‘The Singing Tree’, having survived bombing, sees life return once more, a symbol of hope and renewal.
The poems and stories in this collection are ideal for sharing, exploring and enjoying, perfect for school and home alike. It is a treasure trove of treats, celebrating the majesty and beauty of trees.
My Heart was a Tree: Poems and Stories to Celebrate Trees
Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
Two Hoots ISBN: 978-1529094794