The Day My Brother Became a Tree - by Xin Li (Hardcover)

About the Book

When their parents tell them they are moving, a young girl comforts her brother, who struggles with leaving behind his beloved trees until the family finds a way to bring a piece of his tree to his new home.

Book Synopsis

A stunningly illustrated picture book about moving to a new home that celebrates compassion, imagination, nature, and sibling love, by the acclaimed creator of I Lived Inside a Whale.

Owen loves his garden, especially his trees. He loves taking care of them-- naming them, watering them, and even singing songs to them. So, when his parents tell him the family is moving, he is devastated. He just can't imagine leaving all his friends and his beloved garden behind. And if he becomes a tree, no one can make him move away.

Luckily, some creative thinking by his big sister, Wendy, and a loving circle of friends come to the rescue in this uniquely imaginative and beautifully illustrated tale about change and the comfort nature can provide for us.

Review Quotes

Praise for I Lived Inside a Whale:

A Kids' Indie Next List Pick

A Barnes & Noble's Best Picture Book of 2024

A Smithsonian Magazine Ten Best Children's Books of the Year Selection

A Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year

* "I Lived Inside a Whale has a moment for every reader, making it perfect for storytime or bedtime or any time in between."--Bookpage, starred review

"This is a gentle, relatable story about a child with sensory sensitivity finding a way to forge connections with others. A sweet, contemplative tale of friendship and discovering one's voice."--Kirkus Reviews

"The transportive power of books...and the story's supportive friendship theme makes this a doubly good pick for library and classroom sharing."--Booklist

"An inspiring, unexpected interior journey."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Xin Li is an artist and writer. She was born and raised in China and currently lives in Norway with her husband and their daughter. After spending half of her life living in countries outside of her homeland, Xin chose to paint and write, as stories help her to make sense of a world that otherwise is often lost in translation. Xin is passionate about collecting books, watching clouds, and going for long train rides to cities she has never visited before. I Lived Inside a Whale was her U.S. author-illustrator debut. She invites you to visit her online at Lixin.no