Neal Layton, The Tree, Walker Books Australia, 1 May 2016, 32pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 97811406358216
A large tree provides a home for a variety of animals both above and below ground. However, the land the tree grows on has been sold and a man and woman arrive with plans to cut it down and build a home for themselves and the child they are expecting. They are surprised and concerned when they start to saw into the base of the tree and a nest falls at their feet. The pregnant woman is moved to tears by the sight of the displaced baby birds in the nest and the man shares her sadness. They quickly amend their plans to accommodate the tree and improve the environment while still building their new home.
The Tree is a mere fifty one words in length and very economically conveys its environmentally friendly message that, with a little thought and compromise, we can live in harmony with nature rather than destroying it. The simple language is predominately positioned on the left hand page of each opening in large, bold font on a white background making it very easy for young children to read or pre-readers to anticipate. Layton complements his text with mostly full page illustrations that capture both the majestic size of the tree and the scale of the overall landscape. The bright colours, endearing animals and minimalist, cartoon-like style are appealing to an audience aged three plus.
The Tree would be a worthy addition to any kindergarten or primary school library and provides a positive message about living in harmony with the environment and the benefits of sustainable development.
Reviewed by John Nolan