“Featuring a positive message of friendship and community, Linden: The Story of a Tree by author and illustrator Colleen Muske is a charmingly heartfelt, gorgeously illustrated, picture book celebration of the simple joys of loving one’s community. An original story about the many ways nature supports and surprises us. Linden: The Story of a Tree is a perfect pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-7.” —MIDWEST Book Review
Some trees grow up wanting to be tall lighthouses or big red barns full of horses. Not Linden. He is grateful just being a tree. Through snowy winters full of caroling to summertime picnics beneath his shady boughs, Linden watches over the people who love and care for him.
Colleen Muske’s heartfelt, gorgeously illustrated ode to the simple joys of loving one’s community is full of childlike wonder and comfort in the many ways nature supports and surprises us.
Like The Giving Tree, Linden watches over those who care and love for him. UNLIKE the Giving Tree, Linden’s love for his community isn’t expressed through sacrifice. This is ultimately a more positive message for kids.
Categories: picture book,
Themes: nature, garden, love, community, friendship, rebirth, death, life-cycle, protect, mother earth
Publishing date: April 16th, 2024
ISBN: 9781958325100 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9781958325117 (Ebook)
Hardback with jacket: $18.99 US
Ebook: $9.99 US
Length: 38 pages
Size: 10×9 inches
Ages: 4-8
Grade: K-3
AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR: Colleen Muske
COMPS: The City Tree by Shira Boss and Lorena Alvarez, Outside In by Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby, Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
Colleen Muske (www.colleenmuske.com) has been practicing art her whole life. When her 6th grade teacher told her she had talent, she decided to become a real artist. She has studied at Minneapolis Community College, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and many artists’ private studios. Colleen likes to say she is community educated since her most valuable education is from fellow artists, workshops, and conferences.
After taking her first Children’s Book Illustration class, Colleen knew she had found her calling. Writing classes at The Loft Literary Center soon followed. Many classes and many drafts later, her stories are coming to life! Colleen’s art is full of nature, animals, and everyday life. Her favorite artists are Grandma Moses, Barbara Cooney and Henri Matisse, Colleen’s artwork is overflowing with pattern, color, and texture.
Colleen lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with her husband in a 146-year-old house. They share their house with three dogs and two cats who inspire many of her stories.
“A kid-friendly primer on addressing the elephant in the room—metaphorical and otherwise.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A sweet, tangible explanation of love that reaches through generations” —Kirkus Reviews
“After you turn last page you feel like you just got a hug from a book. So fantastic.” —A. Murphy (Librarian)
“The incredible illustrations bring this story roaring to life. . . A meaningful, modern fable.” —Kirkus Reviews
