Leo's Tree

Britta Santowski is a freelance writer in Victoria.

When he was born, Leo’s parents planted a “scratchy branchy linden
tree.” As the youngster grows, so does the tree, until both are big
and strong. When Leo’s sister is born, Leo helps his parents plant a
tree for her.

The story’s intricacies come from Nora Hilb’s full-page watercolour
paintings. It is through the pictures that we see the parallels between
Leo and his tree. Just as the newly planted tree cannot support itself
(it is tied to a post), the newly born Leo can’t support himself. But
then comes the “bright warm sun” and the “smell of mud,” and
with it, Leo grows hair and the tree grows leaves. As Leo learns to
crawl and toddle about, the tree remains supported. As the seasons
change and time goes on, both Leo and the tree become strong and capable
of standing on their own.

This book taps into cyclical patterns on many levels. It connects the
stages of young Leo’s growth with that of a tree. It cycles through
the seasons, showing the progress that change brings. And it regenerates
the idea of planting another tree when Leo’s sister is born. This is a
delightful story for preschoolers. Recommended.