Once I Was a Tree

ONCE I WAS A TREE is a picture book written from the point of view of the tree that eventually became a book. With help from author Eoin McLaughlin and illustrator Guilherme Karsten, this book tells the tale of a tree. Growing up, getting taller, starting a family, and eventually becoming a book.

Both informative and funny, the journey of this tree makes for a great story. Written in first person, it focuses on the different stages of life and challenges that the tree had to overcome to grow big and tall. It is rooted in realism, showing the growth process from seed to tree, but also has multiple hints of humor. From facing down squirrels to being cut down, this tree truly experiences the ups and downs of life.

The art in this picture book is beautiful. Bright colors that match the joyful tone of the story. Illustrations that are detailed, but not too much to distract from the focus. Switches between horizontal and vertical layouts to emphasize scale. It all blends together beautifully to create a wonderful picture book.

This book is definitely age appropriate for kids. Even the jokes suit the age range. It uses child-friendly vocabulary with perhaps a couple of words that kids won’t recognize.

Told by a tree, ONCE I WAS A TREE takes readers on a fun journey as a little seed grows into a large tree that is eventually made into a book. Bright colors and pretty illustrations tie the story together, creating an experience that readers will enjoy.