Vernon author Sarah Elliman and renowned Okanagan Valley artist Vaz Art have teamed up to produce a unique children’s book with an important lesson in the power of connection in the forest and in our lives.
A Tree Like Me is a whimsical mix of fact and fable that takes readers on a journey with young River to meet a new friend. While venturing into the forest near her new home, River learns about the forest community of plants, fungi, and trees. By connecting with nature, River shows us how to overcome loneliness.
Vividly illustrated by Raffaella Vaz, of the Vaz Art Gallery, the colorful backdrops and forest landscapes match the story perfectly.
A Tree Just Like Me will be available for the first time on September 15 at the Vernon Farmer’s Market where you can meet the author and the artist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This children’s book produced by Vernon is inspired by research by Suzanne Simard, known for her work on how trees interact and communicate using underground fungal networks.
“It’s important to feel connected to a living world,” Elliman said. “Knowing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves gives meaning to our lives and that’s what being in nature does for me.”
Elliman will also be traveling to British Columbia to make new friends on these upcoming book tour dates:
• Friday, September 16 – Coles Bookstore, Vernon 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Saturday, September 17 – Kelowna Farmers Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 21 – Nelson Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• September 21 – Nelson Public Library Extracurricular Reading at 3:30 p.m.
• Sept. 23 – Vernon Arts & Culture Festival 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• September 24 – Revelstoke Farmers Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• September 24 – Reading at the Revelstoke Storybook Fair at 1:45 p.m.
• Oct. 1 – Vernon Little Plum Children’s Shop Reading at 11 a.m.
• October 8 – Forest Story Adventure, Vernon
This is Elliman’s second book, following How Nick Discovered the Kindness of Christmas.
“Its success allowed me to really invest in this second one and engage the talent of Vaz Art.”
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BooksEnvironmentVernon
