Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree

All living creatures have a special place in the world in this extraordinary exploration of the concept of self for very young readers.

Only I know how to be me.
Only you know how to be you.

Trees have leaves that turn sunshine into food. Amazing! Birds build nests, sing songs, hatch eggs, and fly. Dogs are our friends and can move their ears to tell us how they feel, while fish live in water, flashing like jewels. As for people, every person on Earth is different, each with their own thoughts and feelings. With a simple narrative and joyful, welcoming illustrations celebrating a world full of remarkable creatures, Mary Murphy reminds little ones that we are all unique, and that we are the only ones who know how to be us.Wonder and significance permeate this catalogue of the essence of natural things...Bright, chunky illustrations evoke children’s drawings, depicting figures of various skin tones, some wearing glasses, some using wheelchairs, playing in an irreplaceable world.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A celebration of the uniqueness of trees—and birds, dogs, fish, the planet Earth, the universe, and each human being. What makes this feel-good reflection on individuality stand out are the illustrations, childlike in their presentation but surprisingly detailed...Even though many illustrations include tiny details, this will work well for group as well as one-on-one. A simple message delivered effectively.
—Kirkus Reviews

Understanding and celebrating similarities and differences are hallmarks of the book, brilliantly conveyed in simple hand-lettered text and cheerful pictures of animals, people, and the environment. A necessary purchase. Uniqueness of thought, personality, interests, and purpose is celebrated in this beautiful book.
—School Library JournalMary Murphy is the acclaimed author-illustrator of many books for young children, including Mouse Is Small, Are You My Mommy?, Good Night Like This, Say Hello Like This!, A Kiss Like This, Utterly Lovely One, and I Kissed the Baby! She lives in Galway, Ireland.