Big Tree

Brian Selznick, the acclaimed creator of 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret,' delivers his most ambitious work yet with 'Big Tree,' a middle-grade novel blending fantasy, science, and adventure. It tells the story of two sycamore seeds, Louise and Merwin, who are separated from their Mama Tree and must embark on a perilous journey across a dangerous, ever-changing world. Rooted in scientific principles, the narrative explores themes of resilience, finding home, and environmental stewardship, all from the unique perspective of plants. With a cast of memorable characters like Mushroom Ambassadors and a wise Ghost Leaf, this visually rich, 525-page book is a profound and imaginative exploration of life's origins and the importance of protecting our planet, perfect for readers aged 10-14.

From visionary #1 New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick comes his most imaginative and ambitious work to date, a trailblazing new story about the wonders of the natural world! Hello, stars. I thought I heard you calling me. A mysterious voice has been calling to Louise in her dreams. She and her brother Merwin are Sycamore seeds, searching for a safe place to grow. As they sail into the unknown, far from their Mama Tree, they must use their wits and imaginations to navigate a dangerous world--filled with monsters, meteors, and volcanoes!--and the fear of never finding the right conditions to set down roots and become big trees. Meanwhile, the mysterious voice grows louder until Louise realizes what it means: The fate of all life on Earth just might come down to the bravery of these two little seeds. ​​​​​​​ In the spirit of such classics as The Little Prince, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz, with an originality all his own, Selznick creates a vivid world shown from the plants' point of view and rooted entirely in science. A cast of unforgettable characters--from Mushroom Ambassadors and underwater Scientists to a wise Ghost Leaf and the mad King Seaweed--take readers on a moving and mesmerizing journey from the Big Bang to the present day. Fueled by themes of growing up, finding home and protecting the planet, Big Tree is like nothing we've seen before--a tour de force from an ingenious creator at the top of his creative form!