Solomon's Tree

by Andrea Spalding, Janet Wilson (Illustrator)

Solomon has a special friendship with the big old maple outside his house. He knows the tree in all seasons and all weathers. When a terrible storm tears it up by its roots, Solomon is devastated. But through the healing process of making a mask from part of the tree with his uncle, he learns that the cycle of life continues and so does the friendship between himself and the tree.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Abigail]

Solomon had always had a special love for the maple tree that stood near his house - a tree that offered him a comfortable perch, and whispered its many secrets to him. When his arboreal friend is knocked down in the course of a terrible storm, Solomon is heartbroken, until his uncle involves him in the carving of a mask from the maple's wood, and he realizes that his friend's spirit will live on...

Andrea Spalding's gentle narrative, inspired by a mask-carving workshop with master Tsimpshian woodcarver Victor Reece, offers a sensitive portrayal of a contemporary First Nations boy, and the central role his traditional culture plays at a crucial moment in his life. Janet Wilson's illustrations - done in oil - evoke a sense of family warmth and a connection to the natural world. It is easy to see why this appealing picture-book was picked for the First Nation Communities Read Award!

[Lynn Davidson]

This is a beautiful story from First Nations traditions. Solomon had a favourite old cedar tree he would climb and interact with in each season. When a fierce storm took down that tree Solomon mourned the loss. Uncle helped him find the spirit of his tree and gave Solomon something to keep and cherish forever. This is a wonderful story with gorgeous illustrations.

[Kris]

A great picture book that has themes of friendship, connection to nature, art, and culture without being heavy-handed. Solomon has a special relationship with his tree, and when the tree falls down, his uncle shows him a way to keep the connection alive. The art works well here.

[Ali]

A really beautiful story. I loved the organic feel to it. It felt authentic.

[Marmot]

Great story, really captivated my son, who loved looking at the pictures of the mask. I found the illustrations sad, in that they depicted the little boy as overweight. While I know this is a reality for many first nations children, it just made me feel sad.

[Lara]

Tsimpshian, make a traditional mask from a favorite tree