CBR15Passport, different country (illustrators from Italy and the young girl is from “other country” than where she is living)
A young girl, in a fantastic way, learns about an old tree, now a stump, but using her imagination and the knowledge she has of being alone and unseen. Having moved to this strange city, she, and the tree commune to show each other how the world is a beautiful place, and how to help each other and the world around them. The result is how the community comes together to help “foster healing in the world.”
Alexandria Giardino created a picture book with Me + Tree that brings in a thoughtful solution to a larger, more difficult problem. The delightful illustrations of the Balbusso Sisters (twin sisters from Italy), are filled with the fantastical imagery, the magical elements of learning the tree and girls’ history. Anna and Elena Balbusso combine fantasy and realism with the rich colors and details that are mixed in with the text to be both supporter and its own character.
This is a feeling book; a emotional book; a book that makes you think. It is not necessarily a “one and done” read, but one that can take multiple readings to get everything out of it. It is an experience read. Therefore, it is not for all ages, but most ages can take something away from it (even if they made up their own story to the art). I could see this book as a group, classroom read, but one-on-one might be best. It would be a great gift for people who are into environmental issues, art stories or if they are looking for a thoughtful (i.e. mindful) read.
