Solomon’s Tree is about a First Nations boy’s relationship with a beloved tree. Solomon is devastated after a storm knocks over the giant maple tree in Solomon’s backyard. As a part of his grief, Solomon and his uncle, a Tsimpshian carver, make a mask from a log of the tree. The mask making process described in the book is based on the author’s experience during a mask making workshop and on the artwork of Victor Reece. The other masks that the illustrator, Janet Wilson, uses in the book are also masks by Victor Reece. Solomon’s Tree is a beautiful book that melds seamlessly the expertise of Spalding, Wilson, and Reece.
Grade Level: 4-5
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Story Book
Content:
Earth Science
Growing Up
Music & Art