Walking Trees, written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. Groundwood, 2024. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"Lily woke up very early on the morning 
of her birthday. Right away she saw her 
tree peeking in her window. She ran to 
open the balcony door. Her tree had bright 
green leaves that rustled in the air. 
She sat down beside it. 
"I'm going to call you George,"
whispered Lily."

For readers who wonder where authors get their ideas for the stories they write, Marie-Louise Gay provides a glimpse at that before her new book begins. 

"I was inspired to write Walking Trees after reading an article 
about an art project in the Netherlands called Bosk (which 
means forest).

A thousand trees were planted in huge wooden containers that
were wheeled around the city by volunteers. The "walking 
forest" provided shade, relaxation, beauty and peace."

When Lily and her father take a walk in the forest outside the city, Lily falls in love. She loves everything about the trees they see there - tall, green, cool, shady with leaves that drift down around her. Her birthday wish is quickly decided; Lily wants a tree. She will care for it on their apartment balcony. 

Lily loves George. Much time is spent watching life together from above the noise. When Lily decides that George needs to see more of the world, she puts him in her wagon and takes him for a walk. There is no other tree on the street they travel. Mrs. Lee is suffering in the sun's heat. George helps with that. As they move forward, Lily talks with George about what they are seeing. 

It isn't long until George is making a big difference for friends and neighbors. Soon, Lily is not the only person with a tree to walk. Salim, Mauricio and Lily are happy to bring comfort for those in need of it. More and more community members purchase and walk their trees with the sole purpose of making a difference for those who live along their street. 

"The city street had been transformed, one tree at a time." 

Watercolor and pencil art, as we have come to admire, is full of whimsy, bright color, and celebration. Lily represents every kid who wants to make a difference in the world; she does it with aplomb.