Tree Matters

Gr 2–5—Placing a tree at a center of every page in this innovative and genre-bending picture book, Bai illustrates the world of the Bhil people, one of the largest indigenous communities in India. This volume is the result of a two-week residency Bai had with Tara Books in which she created art and told stories based on her childhood. Wolf and Geetha then used Bai's oral accounts to produce this title. Sections including "Between Field and Forest," "Guardians and Gods," and "Trees for Every Occasion" contain spreads that explain festivals, spirituality, food, and legends, all through the lens of different trees. Occasionally the nonlinear tales are confusing, but they suit the beautiful illustrations. The stories are told from Bai's point of view, often explaining what she has crafted. Her paintings, done in the Bhil style, feature joyfully spotted figures done in green, red, yellow, and black, stark against the carefully composed white spreads. Bold headings and playful punctuation break up the text.