I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me

The growth of a tree and of a child parallel each other in this exquisitely constructed die-cut picture book about our nestedness in the natural world I am a seed. I grow bigger and bigger each day. I’m starting to become who I am. So begins this story, which is also how a child’s life begins… and so too does a tree’s. With an affirming, poetic text and gorgeous, delicate art as revealed through die-cuts on almost every spread, I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me is a beautiful picture book about how we begin, how we grow, how we’re nourished, and how we live. By drawing parallels between a growing child and a growing tree, author Sylvaine Jaoui and illustrator Anne Crahay remind us of the myriad ways that humans and plants are connected as living beings.

About the Author :
Sylvaine Jaoui (1962–2023) was an award-winning French children’s author. I’m Like a Tree and a Tree’s Like Me is her first picture book to be published in English. Anne Crahay is a Belgian artist and illustrator. While living in the Ardennes Forest, she worked in animation and as a freelance graphic designer. She currently lives in Andrimont, Belgium, and teaches graphic design and illustration at the Saint-Luc Liège School of Art. Claudia Zoe Bedrick is the publisher, editor, and art director of Enchanted Lion Books. Several of her translations have been Batchelder Award and Honor books.

Review :
STARRED REVIEW! ? "A child and a tree grow and develop side by side... Translated from French, Jaoui’s conversational text is spare yet playful as child and tree comment on their similarities. Crahay’s watercolorlike art is simultaneously majestic and quirky, with sweet-faced insects or snails smiling up at readers. Simple but effective die cuts appear on nearly every spread... As the child embraces the tree, a diverse group of youngsters hug trees of their own, ... sending an affirming message: Despite our perceived differences, each of us is truly 'one of Earth’s children.' Much like life itself, this story is a gift that deserves to be shared." The die cuts are so key... The whole book has this peek-through element to it, which makes it a great way to show [the] parallels between plants and people. “Allows readers to build a connection with themselves and the nature around them. The simplicity of the lines makes the book a great option for read-alouds and will likely get enthusiastic audience participation. Textured illustrations adorn each spread and perfectly complement the picture book’s childlike and straightforward nature… VERDICT: This sweet, simple story about the human-nature connection will be a pleasing addition to library collections.” “A tree and a human baby compare growth from their beginnings in this lovely picture book… Each page has a cutout which reveals their next steps on the following page… Little listeners will have lots to think about in examining the the seed’s underground journey and its eventual burst through to sun in parallel to a baby being born. And the repetitive ‘Me too!’ is a fun interactive element of reading the book aloud. Their different perspectives offer a window into the importance of humans’ and plants’ interdependence.”