Synopses & Reviews
This gorgeous picture book shows how one little girl's careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family. For Earth Day and every day Perfect for fans of Matt de la Peña and Oge Mora.
Before her grandchildren climbed the towering tree,
explored its secret nests,
raced to its sturdy trunk,
read in its cool shade,
or made pies with its pecans...
Nell buried a seed.
And just as Nell's tree grows and thrives with her love and care, so do generations of her close-knit family.
Inspired by the pecan trees of the creators' own childhoods, Anne Wynter's lyrical picture book, brought to life with breathtaking illustrations by Daniel Miyares, brims with wonder and love.
Review
"Pen and ink, gouache, and collage artwork by Miyares exudes the golden light of autumn, and prose by Wynter shimmers with evocative sense words — it's almost possible to smell the pie." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"Gorgeous images and text chronicle joyful childhood experiences — a future classic." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"Wynter's text sings with the economy and elegance of a poem….Miyares's illustrations…reflect the wonder of friends, family, the outdoors — and the magnificence of a tree that began when 'Nell picks up a seed.'" Horn Book (Starred Review)
Review
"Miyares' pen-and-ink, gouache, and collage illustrations pair well with the two story lines, effectively expanding the concept of a family tree being both a physical tree and a representation of loving relationships." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"Miyares creates breathtaking paintings that share and further the dance of words….A story of a tree, of generations, of mindfulness, and a wonderful way to show how small acts have far-reaching consequences." School Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
"A beautiful homage to how the labor and vision of previous generations can benefit so many who come after….This would be an excellent read-aloud choice for Arbor Day or Earth Day."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
About the Author
Anne Wynter is originally from Houston, Texas, and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, their two children, and a cat. In addition to writing children's books, she's written more than a dozen short plays that have been produced around the country. Anne earned a degree in drama from Washington University in St. Louis, received a certificate in short story writing from the University of Chicago, and studied writing for children at the Writing Barn. Everybody in the Red Brick Building is her debut. To learn more about Anne or to say hello, visit www.annewynter.com.