Description: Translation of: De boom die een wereld was.
Brief description: Jeska Verstegen is the author of I'll Keep You Close (Levine Querido) and the illustrator of over 100 books. Bear Is Never Alone (Eerdmans) was named a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book and a Bank Street College Best Children's Book. She lives in Amsterdam. Visit her website at jeskaverstegen.nl or follow her on Instagram @jeska_verstegen.
Review Quotes:
"Clever...would make wonderful read alouds that work across a range of ages...enhanced by Verstegen's ethereal artwork, which brings the magic and wonder of the stories to life....A remarkable story not to be missed."
--School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)
"Mirth, absurdism, and deep meaning entwine in Goldewijk's surreal fables. Middle-grade and adult readers who love humor, grace, and depth should enjoy this gem...hilariously irreverent and enchantingly strange."
--Shelf Awareness (STARRED REVIEW)
"Humorous, quirky...Large, surreal mixed-media illustrations add a magical, fairy tale-like atmosphere, with dreamy colors and whimsical details that perfectly complement the imaginative text. A thought-provoking, unique story that celebrates the beauty of nature and the richness and wonder found in diverse perspectives."
--Booklist
"Verstegen's finely detailed illustrations have a delicate beauty that is at turns playful and eerie...Weird and a little bit wicked, this has the charm of Tak's My Presentation Today is About the Anaconda with an added bite."
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A work of unusual wisdom...characterizations are heartfelt and sympathetic...an inventive story collection."
--Foreword Reviews
"Goldewijk maintains an engaging balance of whimsy with deep themes about self-acceptance...Verstegen's stunning, atmospheric portraits of the creatures are by turns intimate and cosmic....Weird yet wonderful."
--Kirkus Reviews
"I was so enchanted with this world I read this in a single sitting....one of my favorites of the year!"
--Kids Read the World
"You MUST see this one!"
--Jennifer Sniadecki, Reading Teacher Writes
"This book in particular is an unusual little beastie, both funny and surreal, an exploration of nature and behavior."
--Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production
"Goodness me, this is exquisite."
--librarian Kit Ballenger, Kit on Lit
"Both uproariously funny and profoundly thought-provoking....An absolute joy to read!"
--Words Without Borders
"One of my favorite books of the year....unexpected, funny, and surreal....excited to try it out with fans of The Wild Robot and Big Tree."
--elementary librarian Chrissie Wright, Chrissie Writes