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Family Tree (Josh Pyke, illus by Ronojoy Ghosh, Scholastic)

Family Tree shares the beauty of life through the growth of a tree, one that unites families and communities around the world, spreading joy, love and spirit—and it all starts with one seed. Australian singer–songwriter and children’s author Josh Pyke delivers this deeply poignant and lyrical narrative that touches every fibre of our being. Representative of our uniquely multicultural and diverse Australia, Family Tree depicts a society evolving together in unity. We all lay our foundations with a seed, and our roots go deep; we all grow, through good times and bad, ‘feast and famine, drought and storms’. The time lapse of a growing gum tree, and a growing community, comes full circle with laughter, the touch of young hands and ‘new scars’ (carvings on the tree) that ‘hurt not one little bit’. Ronojoy Ghosh’s cool, primary-coloured illustrations dance like a joyous breeze. The textured, multi-layered landscapes and urban scenes are inclusive of contemporary world issues and different cultures, as well as being a nostalgic and stunning example of classic Australiana, featuring a beautiful gumnut motif throughout. Family Tree flourishes with love and the celebration of life, belonging, diversity and collective strength. This is a picture book for children from ages three and up to cherish as they grow. 

Romi Sharp is a picture book writer and digital marketer for children’s authors and publishers. She speaks with Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh here.

 

Category: Junior Reviews Think Australian top reviews