The Wind and the Trees, written and illustrated by Todd Stewart. Owlkids, 2019. $19.95 ages 4 and up

"Although the soil is rich, and I get plenty of 
sunshine and just enough rain ... 

... the blowing wind pulls and shapes me.
It stretches my roots, dries me out, 
and will break me apart. 

Then I don't like the wind!"

This conversation between two pine trees speaks to the power of nature, and its effect on the trees themselves. The talk is between a young sapling whose comments are made on the verso side of the spread; the recto features a fully grown pine tree and its responses. The text clearly shows their developing relationship as one might expect between a young child and an older, wiser adult. 

Much has been learned, through reliable research, about the communication that happens between trees. Mr. Stewart uses that knowledge to create a convincing discussion concerning the dangers and wonders of the wind. Roots are stretched. Trees dry out. Breaks in branches are right there to see. On the other hand, wind also has its perks. 

"As the wind blows against me, 
my roots grow deeper and my 
bark becomes stronger."

Years pass, and the trees change. Always the wind blows, with both positive and negative consequences. The two face it together, one teaching the other until a final storm leaves only the now fully-grown youngster standing. Readers are reminded of the fallen tree's wise words on a page that bridges the gap between the old and the new reality. Now, the wind releases seeds from the verso to the recto, leading to the beginning of a brand new conversation. 

The silk screen artwork is impressive. The colors are vivid, and moody when they impact understanding. Full of movement and the drama of nature, a reader's attention is always focused on the trees themselves. The sky changes from morning to night, through seasons, and a lifetime of growth. The inhabitants of the tree's branches change. Life moves forward and accepts what nature has to offer. 

Mr. Stewart's dedication is heartfelt: 

“For every tree that has shared its story; for all who have shared those stories; and for all the storytellers to come.”