Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter, Daniel Miyares
Published by HarperCollins US, Balzer + Bray on January 31, 2023
ISBN: 0062865773
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American, Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Wynter’s spare, verse-like text tells the story of a pecan tree, planted by Nell, in shifting timelines from the past (Nell planting the tree) to the present (Nell’s grandchildren enjoying its mature shade and fruit). Miyares’ gorgeous illustrations use pen and ink, gouache, and collage to fill each page with color and space, evoking a warm Southern afternoon in changing light. All characters are Black. Notes from both the author and illustrator at the end of the book discuss how personal this story is for them, growing up surrounded by family pecan trees – experiences which certainly played a large role in the development of this warm, beautiful story that will no doubt be popular with parents and children alike, and maybe inspire them to plant a tree of their own!

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta