The Wind and the Trees by Canadian author/illustrator Todd Stewart is a deceptively simple story that conveys fundamental knowledge about the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of trees and their environment in a pitch-perfect synthesis of art and text.
 |
| The Wind and the Trees, written and illustrated by Todd Steward. Published by Owl Kids Books in English in 2021. Originally published as Quand le vent soufflé in 2019. |
In 180 words (yes, I counted them!) Stewart tells the story of these relationships. In the beginning, one tree is mature and the other is a new seedling. By the end, much has changed, largely portrayed through an unspoken storyline provided by the illustrations.
 |
| Hello!/Hello. |
The shape of clouds, movement of birds, bending of boughs, and slant of precipitation all express the impact of that invisible force, the wind. Vibrant, changing color palettes in double-page spreads add energy to the sparse conversation between the two trees, enlivening what might otherwise be a static story.
 |
| Up here, the wind always blows, day and night, year after year. |
Stewart’s restraint with words allows the illustrations to fully engage readers, while also leaving space to imagine and absorb. The tall trim size and orientation perfectly suit the topic.
 |
| So how do you feel about the wind?/I embrace it. Like this! |
