Louise Wannier is the author and photographer of the new children's picture book Tree Spirits Around the World. She also has created the book Tree Spirits. She is an artist and designer, and she lives in California.
Q: What inspired this new Tree Spirits book?
A: In the first Tree Spirits interactive picture book, I took readers on a walk through my neighborhood (all but one of the 10 trees in the book are within a mile of where I live in Pasadena, California) and I ask them “What do you see when you look up at this tree?”
I am asking children to have fun, be creative, and open their own imaginations to discover the magic hidden in the trees where they live.
When I speak with children sometimes they ask me why I ask so many questions in the book. My reply to them is that it is through asking questions that we begin to imagine.
This new book expands that world, but we invite children on a journey across continents. Inspired by the incredible variety of trees and the animals that live alongside them, the book asks them questions and informs them of interesting ecological and cultural points in each place.
Q: How did you choose the locations and animals for the book?
A: I began my journey of photographing trees around the world in the Galapagos, a captivating and magical place. When I was there, I felt as if all of nature’s energy and vibrancy was palpable, true spirits coming to life.
The photos, when put together, tell a beautiful story of imagination and the wonder found in nature. I have traveled to many parts of our planet and the photographs come largely from those adventures. Three of the countries mentioned in the book I have not yet visited (Costa Rica, Majorca and Australia).
The photo credits are given to the individuals, friends and cousins who supported my efforts and sent photographs from their journeys. I hope to read there as part of bringing this book to children in many places.
Q: What do you think April Tatiana Jackson’s illustrations add to the book?
A: April and I worked together and her drawings are incredible. I would scribble a simple sketch and she would generate sample drawings and we would collaborate —her drawings bring these ideas to life with stunning clarity, translating what's in my mind into beautifully rendered illustrations.
Her artwork breathes life into the trees, making them feel vibrant and alive. And what fun the children have being able to see the creatures hidden in the knots and gnarls of the trees.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: That we all think and see differently. That we can learn so much from each other and can develop our connection with nature, allowing ourselves to be curious and slow down.
And be creative! Seeing and feeling the essence of our spirits in trees encourages kids to have fun inventing their own stories. The antidote to screen time!
Q: What are you working on now? Will you create more Tree Spirits books?
A: I will be doing readings of the books at dozens of schools across the U.S. and the U.K. and other lands beginning next year. For more information, here is the book series website: https://www.treespiritsbook.com/.
And yes, I have so many ideas for future books so I do hope I will be able to continue to create more of them.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The Tree Spirits series grew from my love of photography and storytelling, and from countless hours spent outdoors. The trees in these books are real trees — most of which I’ve photographed myself.
Every time I visit a new place, I find myself wondering what the Tree Spirit there might look like. It’s a habit I hope to pass on to every child who reads the books.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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