Customer Reviews

Another Tree In The Yard

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Siblings Lucia Sera and illustrator John Iorio have written a deeply satisfying story that resonates on many levels: It's a parable about accepting a brother or sister into the family, but it also examines growth, change, and adaptation. The book is as entertaining as it is intelligent, neither simplifying nor mystifying a complex emotional issue. Moreover, the tone is just right: Instead of a preachy or saccharin approach, the story is suffused with a genuine warmth.

The book opens with the Soto family planting a magnolia tree, dubbed "Maggie" by their only child, Julia. The beautifully colored tree provides shade, indoor flowers, and a place to just hang out. The family and the neighbors love Maggie. In fact, the Sotos love the tree so much that they decide to add a fig tree (in one of several humorous grace notes, they name it "Figaro"). In a parallel story, Mrs. Soto is expecting the son who will be Julia's first sibling. Maggie begins to voice the concerns that Julia might be having: "The magnolia...had mixed feelings. `Nobody asked me if I wanted another tree...'" When Figaro is planted, Maggie feels forgotten and trampled upon (literally). Maggie resents the newcomer, "When's he going back to where he came from, I wonder. Things were better before..."

Over time, Maggie resolves her anger as she tries out the new roles of protector and provider. Yet, she doesn't sacrifice her own identity, and neither does Julia with her new brother, Felix. Over time, Maggie learns to truly enjoy Figaro. As illustrated in soft watercolors by Iorio, Maggie is amused at Figaro's knotted muscles, fading yellow leaves, and luscious purple figs. As Julia and Felix grow up (Sera and Ioria easily communicate the passage of time), Maggie and Figaro have become the best of friends, and Maggie sees how Figaro "made all the good times better," and that "it's a wonderful thing to have a brother tree in the yard."

This exceptionally wise book pursues difficult issues through the trees' perspective: The relationship between Julia and Felix is implied only. This approach may encourage your child to feel more comfortable talking about his or her "negative" feelings. The book is very attractive, with lots of white space around both the text and the soft, welcoming pictures. Publisher Vocalis printed this on that wonderfully thick, smooth and glossy paper that only kids' books seem to have. "Another Tree in the Yard" is directly concerned with the potential problems of a new brother or sister, but it really covers the challenges and rewards that accompany any change. It's one of the best new books for families this year.

My 4 year old and I both loved the story. The illustrations were wonderful. Lucia Sera is a bright new star in the world of children's books!!

Enhanced with 34 memorable watercolor illustrations by John Iorio, Another Tree In The Yard by Lucia Sera is about the Soto family's decision to add a fig tree to their yard to accompany the beautiful Magnolia tree that is already there. But there arises sibling jealous between the two trees. Eventually they both come to be the best of friends, overcoming the differences and growing to truly appreciate each other. Another Tree In The Yard is a perfect allegory for overcoming sibling rivalry when a new baby comes into the family household and is especially recommended as a picturebook for young children having to deal with changes in their family's makeup.