The Happiest Tree: A Story of Growing Up

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. [em](Apr.) [/em]