My Tree
Amy Sparks and Fiona Lumbers
Scholastic

The small girl narrator of this story had a favourite place, her tree, which she loved dearly. It acted as a listener when she felt sad and a playmate when she needed an adventure. No matter what, the tree was always on her side; her family loved it too, no matter the weather. And what a wealth of nature relied on that tree: it provided food for squirrels, a nesting pace for birds, and of course it acted as the starting point for a multitude of exciting imaginary adventures.

One night however, everything changes; incessant rain and wind result in the tree’s destruction. No more adventures: the little girl is distraught.

But then she notices something wonderful. The wind has scattered the tree’s fruits all over the ground; she knows what to do next. Having planted an acorn, the girl tends to it, giving it water and telling it exciting stories.

Gradually both child and tree grow … and grow … and grow … Now the girl has a special new best friend; one that will stay with her for ever, so she hopes.

Just as the narrator found joy in nature, so too do many of us, children and adults. It’s always there offering hope of renewal and the possibility of new beginnings. ‘In my end is my beginning’ – so said TS Eliot at the conclusion of East Coker. And so it is for the tree in Amy Sparks’ warm, reassuring story with Fiona Lumbers inspiriting illustrations.