Honestly, I have lost track of how many times I have read The Tree in Me by Corinna Luyken. I know I have read it at least once via an online reader and one reading of the finished book, but I am sure it has been more. In fact, it could be up to four or five times. And this is because I forget I read it, but as soon as I do I remember, I remember it was a pleasure to read each time. Sometimes I liked it more than others, but that is what reading a book multiple times is about. You are never reading the same book; you will never read the same book and you will get a different experience each time.
The idea of Luyken’s picture book is that there is a “seed” inside of us. This seed is a light, is life, and it blooms inside of us. It is represented by the metaphor of the tree growing and nature as a whole. It is meditative or zen-like. The sentiment sometimes is too sweet for me, but other times I like the idea of connection within and without ourselves and others.
What I always come away with is how lovely the illustrations are. These images are colorful, but in a soft way. They are pastel, not muted, but not bursting off the page. They can be read by themselves, allowing you to know the story or make up your own. They are a factor in why things can be sugary at times, but not necessarily in a sacrine manner.
This look is found in at least one other title by Luyken, Hello, Ocean! Due June 2026, I read it (this time) via an online reader copy. When the final results are available, I do want to read it as well. There seems to be an element that will benefit from physically holding a book and not just reading words on a screen. This book deals with environmental issues and is written in a lovely prose poem format that is a story that shows instead of telling the issue of trash in the ocean and how it mars the beauty our young narrator is experiencing and enjoying. The idea of the ocean treasure is both sweet and a bit on the heavier handed side, but in the end it works well.
Lyuken is an author and illustrator we all should have on our radar as their works seem to fit multiple ages and potential needs.
