The Girl Who Talked to Trees Natasha Farrant, illustrated by Lydia Corry
Magical interlinked stories about what one girl learns from talking to trees throughout Time and from around the world in a sumptuous gift book presentation. From the team who brought you Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror, Costa Book Award winning Natasha Farrant and Lydia Corry. Olive's best friend is a four-hundred-year-old oak tree, and it is in danger. As she tumbles into its magic world, she makes it a promise. From deep roots to high branches, a Persian garden to an underwater forest, from tulip trees to wild apple to vengeful box, she listens to the trees telling stories for all time. And she keeps her promise. With a conservation message and facts about tree science alongside the magic and wonder of seven beautifully imagined original stories, this full-colour gift book enchants and reminds us of the importance of trees in our lives.
The Girl Who Talked To Trees is a very enjoyable read. It is a series of interlinked stories that are led by Olive, the main character, as she meets the different trees. She has seven hours to save her favourite tree, the Oak tree and she makes a wish asking for help. The help she gets is this series of tales that each new tree gives her. They are captivating tales that take you to the history of the trees and their relationships with people. Some are magical and are like creation stories (how kelp became forests on the ocean floor, how apples got their blossom) all are interesting.
Olive is a very shy girl and rarely speaks to people but she does feel an affinity with trees, especially the old Oak tree that she considers her best friend. When her father decides that the tree is in the way and needs to come down, Olive knows she must take action to save it. Through listening to the trees, she learns not only their stories but she gains confidence in herself.
This book is a fascinating and enjoyable read. The stories are varied and interesting and link beautifully with the overarching story of Olive but I also particularly enjoyed the non-fiction element at the start of each chapter. The facts about the different species of tree were interesting and informative.
I think for me, what made this book such an enjoyable experience was the illustrations which were simply beautiful and really enhanced the story. They were the perfect compliment to the great story telling.
The message that comes through strongly in this book is the love of nature, (trees in particular) and the advice to stop and appreciate what we have. It is worth taking time to notice the world around us and the trees that are in it. The book also comments on our relationship with nature-the fact that we humans seek to posses and own and name things that were already there and don't actually belong to anyone but themselves.
I recommend this book for children aged 7 and above. Although I imagine it could also be enjoyed by younger children as a story to share with an adult reading to them.
The book is out now. If you are interested in buying it here are some links: