Lori Nichols

A little girl and a tree grow up together in this sweet debut.

Maple, named for a sapling planted just before her birth, plays alongside her special tree every day, giving it hugs and watching its foliage flutter. Her free-spirited, bracing sessions of solitary, outdoor fun appear as crisp vignettes on white backgrounds, their sequencing marking the marching passage of time, which stops for moments of reflection. A long, grassy double-page spread appears at spring, showing Maple bent knees to show more nose over dolls, directing a miniaturized theater production under the tree’s canopy. Here’s a child’s world, where page borders crop out parents’ faces and private reverie recurs as an all-consuming pastime, transmuted by Nichols through charmingly plain pencil illustrations and mild digital colors. Maple, sweetly nondescript with her round head, low braids, comfortable dresses and pink cheeks, could easily sit next to any young reader at preschool or day care. Leaf rubbings (from real maple leaves!) dazzle with their sudden crinkles, veins and tart greens and orangy yellows. Another small tree, right next to Maple’s, marks the birth of a new sibling (Willow), who soon joins her sister under dancing leaves in this kid’s kingdom.

An arboreal homage perfect for children reveling in alone time or reeling with a new sibling’s arrival. (Picture book. 2-6) show less

Some series never reach the heights of the first book, or they start out weakly and improve as they go along. But Maple and Willow's stories keep the same simple, high quality storytelling and art in every new addition. I first fell in love with this series when Maple was a little girl, waiting for a new sister and a new tree to join her in Maple. Maple & Willow Together features the sisters learning to get along and, despite occasional squabbles, having a close friendship.

But now Maple is show more growing up and going to school and the sisters have to renegotiate their relationship. Willow is lonely and jealous of Maple's new adventures and Maple seems to have forgotten the little sister she left behind. Can Willow make everything better again?

Nichols' simple prose and delicate illustrations bring to life the sisters who are growing up and changing, but are still so much alike. The glorious fall colors are echoed in the rainbow hues of Willow's imaginative adventures. The spreads of Maple and Willow interacting are spot illustrations on a white background while Willow's adventures with her new friend Pip explode into full-page color. Subtle details, like the endpages changing from green to orange, catch the eye and make this one to reread again and again.

Verdict: Parents will be sniffing at the bittersweet story of two sisters growing up and even children who don't have siblings will understand what it's like to struggle with changing as you grow older. Another pitch-perfect story from Lori Nichols about two sweet sisters. Highly Recommended.

ISBN: 9780399167539; Published 2015 by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library show less

This is an example of a book that's really simple, but hits every note with perfect pitch.

Maple loves her name and she loves the tree that her parents planted when she was born. Her tree grows with her and it's the perfect friend, inspiring her to imagine, play, and just dream. Sometimes Maple feels a little lonely, but she always comes back to her tree through autumn, winter, and in spring. To her delight, something new is added in spring; another tree! Maple is thrilled with the new tree show more and her new baby sister, but sometimes it's hard to play with a baby. Then Maple realizes that there is something she can always share with baby Willow; her tree! The trees and girls look forward to growing together and end happily sharing their trees.

The pictures have the same simple joy and peace of the story. Maple is a delightful little girl who joyfully experiences each season with her tree. Her simple expressions, from wonder to disappointment, are artfully expressed. The tree motif is recreated in each page, from images of the growing tree to leaf rubbings and prints stamped on the background.

Verdict: This is a perfect book to celebrate the seasons or introduce a child to a new sibling. It's also a gentle reminder that there's nothing wrong with simply enjoying nature and a little solitude. I'm very happy to look forward to more books about Maple and Willow. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780399160851; Published 2014 by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Added to the library order list. show less

The last 1 ½ to 2 years I’ve been much less enthusiastic about writing book reviews. I usually still review novels and most full length non-fiction books, but even though I thought writing reviews could be helpful for some readers, I’ve almost ceased to write reviews for vegan cookbooks, art books, and picture books. But after rereading this one a few times, and loving it more with every reread, I decided I should say at least a few words about it.

I’m also happy to see that there is a show more sequel, and I’ve reserved it at the library.

The pictures here are just enchanting. Very simple but very pretty and they tell the story just as well as the words do.

I love the character Maple, how sweet and kind and thoughtful she is. I enjoyed the imaginative and free form play in which she engages. The story is fun, and funny. I laughed a bit, smiled a lot. I enjoyed the love of nature that shines through the pages, and also the showing of the seasons and of outdoor play.

It’s a particularly fun book to read aloud. I read it aloud (without visuals, though I described some of them) to an adult friend and she loved the book too. I would thoroughly enjoy reading this one to a child/children.

It’s a fine book for anyone but particularly apropos for children whose families are about to have a new baby/child in the family and children who appreciate nature and using their imaginations. show less