Q&A with Maria Gianferrari

  

 

 

Maria Gianferrari is the author of the new children's picture book Just One Oak. Her many other books include Fungi Grow. She lives in Massachusetts. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Just One Oak?

 

A: I am a fan of Margaret Renkl’s New York Times essays, and her piece “While We Should All Be Chasing Acorns” initially led me to Doug Tallamy’s The Nature of Oaks—such an eye-opening book!

 

I was absolutely astonished by all of the wonderful ways that oak trees support biodiversity and maintain ecosystem equilibrium as a keystone species. I learned so many incredible things that I wanted to share them with readers to honor the humble oak.

 

Q: What do you think Diana Sudyka’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Everything! Without Diana’s beautiful and visionary art this would not even be half a book—truly. My words are the lyrics, while Diana’s art is the melody—the texture, tone, and timbre which brings the words to life. I’m so grateful that we have been able to collaborate together.

 

Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: I read Dr. Tallamy’s book, listened to his talks, and took extensive notes. I also read a bunch of the sources that he recommended in addition to scientific articles on oak trees, oak regeneration, etc.

 

He also has a wonderful website called “Homegrown National Park.” You can watch a video there where he explains the importance of oaks to native ecosystems.

 

Another informative resource is Dr. Andrew Hipp’s Oak Origins. He’s a botanist and expert on oak trees and he serves as the director of the Morton Arboretum’s Plant Systematics Research Group in Chicago.

 

I learned so many fascinating things! In North America, oak trees support more different forms of life than any other kinds of trees—from the tiniest microscopic species and fungi in the leaf litter and soil, to all kinds of insects, spiders, birds, and even mammals as large as black bears. And they sustain more than 950 species of caterpillars, critters that are crucial to food web health.

 

Q: The Publishers Weekly review of the book says, “It’s a satisfyingly comprehensive and appreciative portrait of oaks and their numerous contributions.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: It’s quite lovely, and the entire review was so thoughtful. I am delighted that the reviewer found it to be comprehensive. I set out to celebrate oak trees and all of the amazing ways that these keystone species preserve ecological stability and sustainability and are vital to a whole host of creatures.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: A book on plants! I am a bit obsessed with them at the moment. My house is full of all kinds of plants—everything from air plants, to succulents, orchids, ivies, ferns, and three pitcher plants named Agatha, Harriet, and Mildred.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Don’t forget to check out the Just One Oak back matter for ways that you can help with oak tree regeneration and “root” for oak trees!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Maria Gianferrari.