The happiest tree A story of growing up

For the tree narrator, time passes slowly. At age 10, the tree and its friends, the birds and the cats, enjoy the beautiful music of the Rose piano class on the ground floor of the neighboring apartment building. By age 14, the tree is excited to see itself represented by Mr. Artist, the resident on the second floor, who has painted details and full-length portraits of it in all seasons. At age 17, the tree enjoys watching the Kong family's active puppies through the third-floor window. When it views a lonely grandmother on the fourth floor, its branches droop in sympathy, seen through drops of a blue-gray rainfall. Moon, stars, and shadowy reflections pass as the tree thinks about space, time, and loneliness. But finally, at full maturity, the tree rises above the building, sees the other trees, and becomes the happiest ginko in town. The vertical trim-size mirrors the growing tree and showcases Korean author-illustrator Lee's expressive artwork. The soft pastels of each page reflect the emotions in growing up.--Lolly Gepson Copyright 2019 Booklist

A ginkgo narrates this pensive story about passing time, connection, and perspective: "I moved to this building when I was ten years old," it explains. As it grows, it comes to know the building's residents, including an artist who has created a painting of the tree: "for the first time ever, I could see myself." In Lee's airy, sensitive art, readers regard the tree's moods and emotional states throughout the seasons and years: "My times with the Kong family were some of the happiest of my life," the tree says, its leaves cascading over a family and its dogs. When the tree is 20, it reaches the apartment of a lonely elderly woman, and it feels sad. Lee's conclusion, however, is heartening, as the tree grows tall enough to see others: "I am the happiest ginkgo tree in my town." Lee conveys a wise and true sentiment through the protagonist: in any life will come both periods of transition and moments of unexpected joy. Ages 2-5. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.