Vikki Conley (text) and Deb Hudson (illustrator), Milly and the Mulberry Tree, EK Books, June 2022, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922539120
Milly and her papa plant a mulberry tree and so begins a connection to nature that follows Milly into adulthood. As a child Milly watched their mulberry tree grow, giving a home to silkworms, and making magical potion mulberry ice-cream. Now an adult, Milly lives far away from her home but longs for the memories of her childhood.
Will Milly return to her roots, and complete her life story?
Vikki Conley invites us into a nostalgic and whimsical world, where young readers will connect with Milly’s nurturing love of silkworms in her childhood, and how it transforms into her love of silk fabric as an adult while travelling and living abroad. The story is written from the heart, and is full of figurative language in short, accessible sentences for primary learners. Deb Hudson brings colour and life to the story with bright pink shades against a colourful backdrop as Milly grows up.
Milly and the Mulberry Tree explores themes such as growing up, celebrations, memories, and travel. It lovingly touches on connections to family, nature, and the world around us, and a set of teacher notes and resources highlight the importance of caring for our environment, and diversity through cross-cultural families. The vivid illustrations also offer lots of art and craft opportunities for teachers and librarians!
A charming story, inspired by the author’s own 100-year-old mulberry tree, Milly and the Mulberry Tree piques the curiosity about exploring the world, whilst keeping close the magic of home.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
