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The Family Tree
A whimsical picture book meditation on what makes a home, what makes a family, and how a magical tree can hold everything--and everyone--together. Nothing ever really happens at Penny's house. It's all hurry in and hurry out again. But then, something wonderful and unexpected appears that gets everyone's attention. It starts out small, just a seed, then grows and grows until it's simply too big to ignore: a tree! Every day, the tree gets a little taller, a little leafier, and a lot more special. And every day, as they care for the tree, Penny's family starts to hurry out less and stay in more. Could something else be shifting in Penny's house, something much more than a tree?
Book Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books
- Publish Date: Sep 30th, 2025
- Pages: 48
- Language: English
- Edition: undefined - undefined
- Dimensions: 10.60in - 8.80in - 0.50in - 0.95lb
- EAN: 9781665948371
- Recommended age: 04-08
- Categories: • Family - General (see also headings under Social Themes)• Social Themes - Values & Virtues• Science & Nature - Trees & Forests
About the Author
Scanlon, Liz Garton: - Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of numerous celebrated picture books, including One Dark Bird; In the Canyon; Happy Birthday, Bunny!; the Caldecott Honor recipient All the World; Thank You, Garden; and The Family Tree. Liz is an adjunct professor of creative writing at Austin Community College, and her poetry has been published widely in literary journals. She lives with her family in Austin, Texas. Visit her at LizGartonScanlon.com.
Vernick, Audrey: - Audrey Vernick writes fiction and nonfiction for young readers, including The World's Best Class Plant, All Star: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball, and After the Worst Thing Happens. A three-time recipient of the New Jersey Arts Council's writing fellowship, Audrey's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family. Visit her at AudreyVernick.com.
Lee, Fiona: - Fiona Lee is an artist who lives in Vermont with her family and a couple of ragtag pets. She is the illustrator of picture books including I Love You So... by Marianne Richmond, Ways to Say I Love You by Madeleine Cook, Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib, Can't Stop Kissing That Baby by K.L. Going, and The Family Tree by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick. Visit her at FionaLeeStudios.com.
Praise for this book
A tale sure to encourage readers to gather around and enjoy one another's company.--Kirkus Reviews "June 15, 2025 Issue"
Overscheduled youngsters and their adults will find this a reminder to put the calendar away and go touch grass.--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "July/August 2025 Issue"
*Collaborators Garton Scanlon and Vernick highlight the importance of mindfully slowing down in this grounding account of a tree that sprouts up in the middle of a family's residence and refocuses their priorities. The nature-centered payoff--stargazing, leaf-peeping, enjoying hobbies in a dreamy new spot, plus a literal and metaphorical sense of rootedness--feels meaningfully perspicacious.--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW "6/23/2025"
*Always on the go, Penny's family never slows down. When "something happens, something that gets everyone's attention." At first only Penny and the dog seem to notice, as the grown-ups have so many things to attend to. The tree grows rapidly and takes over the family's house, sending roots into the basement and branches out through the roof. The family that once had to rush from one thing to another learns to slow down and "they are more in and less out. And way less hurried." By the conclusion of this gently humorous and thoroughly recognizable tale for today's overprogrammed families, a sense of calm and connectivity has spread through this family. Readers who feel the frantic pace of modern life will be left wishing for a tree to take root in their own kitchens. Illustrations are done in a mix of watercolor patterns, textures, and digital drawings, capturing the young sapling, the frenetic pace of the family, and the eventual development of peace and harmony. By the conclusion, the tree's fall foliage envelopes the family in glorious color and a sense of tranquility. An absolute winner with comic touches and tenderness that will speak to a generation of readers who are part of families that are "on the go" and yet looking for an alternative to the pace of modern life. Highly recommended.--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "8/1/25"