Listening to Trees

A poetic and moving picture book biography celebrating the life and work of the visionary Japanese-American woodworking artist George Nakashima.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, George Nakashima began a love story with trees that threaded throughout his remarkable life. During World War II, George, his wife Marion, and their baby daughter endured internment in Minidoka prison camp; yet even in so bleak a place, George learned from other artisans and kept his passion alive. Once free, he dedicated the rest of his life to crafting furniture from fallen wood, giving fresh purpose and dignity to each tree, and promoting a more peaceful world.

Author Holly Thompson narrates Nakashima’s life using Haibun poetry, a combination of haiku and prose, which threads breezily through Toshiki Nakamura’s earthy, airy illustrations. A dedication by Nakashima’s daughter Mira and robust backmatter bring added insight to what will be many young readers’ first exposure to an artist worth celebrating, as well as more general education about both woodworking and poetry.