The Tree That’s Meant to Be

“While other trees/ grew poised and tall,/ I lagged behind,” mourns a small evergreen in the midst of a forest, “looking different. Feeling small.” When winter comes and families flood the area looking for Christmas trees, the quirky conifer is left alone: “It was just me now.” After it cries out, closely worked spreads by Zommer show forest animals converging on the tree at dawn, their eyes wide open and expressive, their forms arrayed in folk perspective like a medieval tableau. A bear, a fox, and others festoon the tree with leaf garlands “until I was a jolly, festive tree,” and the sky above offers the tree a crowning touch. Finely brushed textures are applied with care throughout, conveying a sense of richness. Though the holiday theme is present, it’s less important than the idea of finding home and companionship throughout the seasons, and Zommer’s spreads convey reassurance to that end. Ages 3–7. [em](Sept.) [/em]