Nell Plants a Tree

Reviews / Votes

"Toggling between two timelines, Wynter tells a warm, affectionate story behind a cherished pecan tree and an intergenerational family. Pen and ink, gouache, and collage artwork by Miyares exudes the golden light of autumn, and prose by Wynter shimmers with evocative sense words-it's almost possible to smell the pie." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Gorgeous images and text chronicle joyful childhood experiences-a future classic." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Wynter's text sings with the economy and elegance of a poem, and specificities delight ("a leaf flecked with holes"). Miyares's illustrations, which capture light especially well, reflect the wonder of friends, family, the outdoors-and the magnificence of a tree that began when 'Nell picks up a seed.'" - Horn Book (starred review)

"Miyares' pen-and-ink, gouache, and collage illustrations pair well with the two story lines, effectively expanding the concept of a family tree being both a physical tree and a representation of loving relationships." - Booklist (starred review)

"In two stories that speed gracefully toward each other... Miyares creates breathtaking paintings that share and further the dance of words. The lines are lyrical but tight, not a word out of place. A story of a tree, of generations, of mindfulness, and a wonderful way to show how small acts have far-reaching consequences." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"A beautiful homage to how the labor and vision of previous generations can benefit so many who come after. Miyares' illustrations capture that ineffable sense of home... and gouache collage lends each spread a timeless glow that is perfectly suited to Wynter's text. This would be an excellent read-aloud choice for Arbor Day or Earth Day."

- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Wynter's prose is spare, lighting like a little blue bird on the moments that matter, and it combines with Daniel Miyares' recognizable ink and gouache artwork to skillfully elicit the feel of a lazy summer day....Generations of readers will be inspired by this sweet story to plant seeds of their own." - BookPage

"Care, growth and abundance for the future - in both tree and family - make this a vital, timely book." - Toronto Star