 “The Tree That Was a World” by Yorick Goldewijk is a middle-grade book that weaves together the interconnected stories of seventeen creatures who all live beneath an ancient tree as old as the world itself. Each animal character grapples with existential questions and dreams that go beyond their expected lives—a sloth yearns to somersault, a moon moth caterpillar chooses her own path, a barn swallow searches for something she’s forgotten, and a red squirrel suspects he might actually be human. Through these surreal and thought-provoking narratives, the book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the nature of existence, all while maintaining a hilarious and imaginative tone. The creatures’ philosophical musings and quirky personalities create an unforgettable cast that challenges readers to think deeply about consciousness and what it means to be alive. The spectacular, magical mixed media illustrations by New York Times/NYPL Best Illustrated awardee Jeska Verstegen bring this extraordinary world to life, complementing the book’s whimsical and contemplative storytelling with visual artistry that captures both the wonder and strangeness of the tree’s diverse inhabitants. mjw |
| Title: The Tree That Was A World Author: Yorick Goldewijk Illustrator: Jessica Verstegen Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2025 Original Language: Dutch Translator: Laura Watkinson Original Title: De boom die een wereld was Original Publisher: Uitgeverij Ploegsma. Netherlands Original Copyright: 2025 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5650-0 Hardcover pages: 88 Age range: 8-14 Genre: Short Stories Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Illustrator’s ethnicity: Dutch Illustrator’s residence: Amsterdam Awards: Translator has won three Batchelder awards Subjects: Creatures, Trees |
The Tree That Was A World
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This moving work of historical fiction spans over 50 years and three generations of a family. It starts in France in the 1920s and ends during the time of the 1960s Chinese Cultural Revolution in Shanghai. Young teen Ah Mei is close to her French grandmother. They even look alike. But in 1960s Shanghai, people are suspicious of their European heritage and looks, and of the grandmother’s interracial marriage. Maintaining the family’s silk business becomes difficult and the government takes the business away from them. They are left with very little, but there is still a way to live with grace and love and hope. The writing is beautiful, emotional, and very descriptive in this story of the importance of family bonds. mjw
This powerful autobiographical story of a Jewish family in Italy during World War II is narrated by six-year-old Lia. She and her family attempt to avoid Nazi deportation, and she ends up in a Catholic convent because it is too dangerous for the family to stay together. Lia’s descriptions of her different schools, new friends, and war conditions are sensitive and perceptive. Horrific details are left out. The book includes inserts, side notes, and letters that speak directly to the reader. Cute black-and-white illustrations enhance Lia’s memories of her survival. Back matter includes a letter from the author and images from Lia Levi’s photo album. The story is a young readers’ adaptation of the author’s award-winning WWII memoir. mjw
While watching a ghost story on TV one night, fifth-grader Kazuhiro Sada sees a pale figure in a white kimono sneaking out of his house. He sees the same figure in school the next day. She is Akari, a girl his classmates insist he has known since kindergarten. Then he finds out that his house sits on the exact location of an ancient temple called Kimyo. Legend has is that the name Kimyo implies the dead coming back to life. Kazu befriends Akari and they spend the summer trying to make sense of the mystery. This thrilling adventure filled with the living dead, a story-within-a-story, a meddling neighbor, and a black cat is illustrated with manga-like drawings. mjw
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