Nell Plants a Tree

Toggling between two timelines, Wynter (Everybody in the Red Brick Building) tells a warm, affectionate story behind a cherished pecan tree and an intergenerational family. In an opening sequence, several Black-presenting children, including one wearing a pair of sturdy overalls, enjoy rural pleasures: climbing a huge pecan tree, resting on a wide farmhouse porch, and reveling in just- baked pecan pie. In the other timeline, the Nell of the title, who wears an old-fashioned yellow dress, finds a seed, buries it in a pot, and tends the resultant sapling until it can be planted outside. Deliberately paced page turns reveal that the pecan tree the children are climbing is the same one Nell planted, and that Nell, much older, is now the matriarch of a large, lively family. Pen and ink, gouache, and collage artwork by Miyares (Big and Small and In-Between) exudes the golden light of autumn, and prose by Wynter shimmers with evocative sense words--it's almost possible to smell the pie. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator's agency: Studio Goodwin Sturges. (Jan.)

"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)

"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