Andrea Spalding - Solomon's Tree

Andrea Spalding

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Solomon's Tree

By: Andrea Spalding
Illustrated by: Janet Wilson
Type: Picture Book
Published by: Orca Book Publishers 2002
Available in: Hardcover, 32pp
ISBN: 1-55143-217-X
Avaliable in: Softcover, 32pp
ISBN: 1-55143-380-X

Solomon has a special relationship 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 the roots, Solomon is devastated. But through the healing process of making 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.

- Book of the year, Northern Ontario Aboriginal Reads Program
- nominated for Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for illustration
- Children’s Book Centre “Our Choice” exceptional merit
- shortlisted for Christie Harris prize for illustrated book (BC Book Prizes)
- nominated Chocolate Lily Award, B.C.
- nominated Shining Willow Award, Saskatchewan
- Canadian Toy Testing Council 2004 Recommended Books

- If a perfect author/illustrator team exists, then Andrea Spalding and Janet Wilson must be its embodiment.... Authenticity of detail is a hallmark of Wilson ’s paintings, and it is no doubt due ... to her habit of meticulously researching each book she illustrates. With a simple prose style, Spalding evokes the cultural and emotional life of her characters, while at the same time she uses her descriptive powers to bring the west coast setting of her story to life. - Canadian Materials

- A rich celebration of the power and beauty of nature and family relationships, this picture book is a likely contender for national and international awards. Its contemporary setting comfortably frames a story rooted in native American cultural tradition... visually vibrant and generous... a strong, sensitive, beautifully interpreted title... Quill & Quire (starred review)

... a fine collaborative effort among three artists to produce..... a distinctive British Columbia story that anyone in the world might enjoy. - Island Tides

... this gentle story of love and respect for nature... Kirkus Reviews

... a wonderfully crafted picture book for small children with a gentle message about transformation and dancing over cultural bridges. Focus on Women

... a captivating and exquisite example of story telling and artwork... a seamless tale of the cycle of nature, Tsimpshian culture and family ties... will no doubt soon be on the short list for major awards... a beautiful picture book and a pleasure to read aloud... recommended for both public and school libraries. Resource Links

- The book’s positive portrayal of West Coast First Nation’s customs teaches respectfulness for the environment and each other. It also shows us that we are active rather than passive participants in healing our spiritual or psychological afflictions. With its diversity and depth, this warm caring book is one that readers of all ages will enjoy. Children’s Book News.

- a book which is both touching and informative. Whitehorse Star

Day by day the log transformed.

"Tell me about your tree," said Uncle as he planed the angles of the face. "What did you see among the branches?"

Solomon described the hummingbird nest and the antics of the baby birds.

Uncle rounded the brow with the adze, chipped the hollows of the eyes, and told the hummingbird story.

"Did your tree smell nice?" asked Uncle as he used the hook knife to carve the nose.

Solomon remembered the sweet spring smell of sap and the pungent fall odor of crushed leaves.

Solomon has a special friendship with the big old maple outside his house. He know 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 dies the friendship between himself and the tree.

Photo by David Spalding	Tsimpshian master-carver Victor Reece created this mask for the story Solomon's Tree. Made from alder wood and carved with handmade tools, the face has the wide, high cheeks and deeply carved features typical of the Tsimpshian tradition. The painting across the brow shows a hummingbird in flight.
Victor Reece and Andrea Spalding with Solomon's mask.	Photo by David Spalding

Review of Solomon's Tree in Quill & Quire
by Patty Lawlor, librarian and First Nations consultant with Southern Ontario Library Service

A rich celebration of the power and beauty of nature and family relationships, this picture book is a likely contender for national and international awards. Its contemporary setting comfortably frames a story rooted in Native American cultural tradition.

Solomon’s Tree is the collaborative achievement of author Andrea Spalding, illustrator Janet Wilson, and Victor Reece, a Tsimpshian master carver whose work is on display in the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Spalding’s inspiration for this gentle story was a mask-carving course she took from Reece. Wilson based the title page mask and the native-inspired art panels on each text page on designs provided by Reece.

In this story about friendship, loss, family support, and cultural tradition, Solomon, a young aboriginal only child, finds friendship in the boughs of a large old maple. The tree shares its seasonal secrets in whispers, rustles, chuckles, and creaky lullabies.

When nature’s force unexpectedly fells the tree, leaving Solomon bereft, his uncle offers him a way to remember and honour the tree’s spirit. Together, they create a mask from one of the maple’s logs. During his dance to celebrate the mask’s completion, Solomon unwittingly, but fittingly, helps new tree life take root.

Solomon’s Tree is visually vibrant and generous. Using oils on canvas and wood, Wilson features sun-dappled greens and the orange-red glow of autumn leaves and bonfires.

This book, Spalding’s and Wilson’s third picture-book pairing, is a strong, sensitive, beautifully interpreted title. Teachers will welcome the added valued of a teaching guide available from the publisher.

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