The Tree and The River

The Tree and The River by Aaron Becker is a masterfully illustrated, wordless picture book that presents an epic time-lapse narrative of human civilization through the lens of a single tree's life. The book serves as a poignant meditation on the relationship between humanity and nature, showcasing how both forces evolve over time.

Overview

In this tale, a mighty tree stands on the banks of a winding river, witnessing the passage of time and the development of human societies around it. The story begins with a family farming the fertile valley, which soon transforms into a village and then a bustling town. As civilization grows, it becomes increasingly industrious, manipulating natural resources to fuel its ambitions—redirecting rivers, harvesting timber, and constructing elaborate infrastructures.

Themes

Human Impact on Nature
The narrative explores significant themes such as industrialization, war, and environmental degradation. As the communities thrive, they also face conflicts and ecological disasters that ultimately lead to their decline. This cyclical nature of progress and collapse highlights the impermanence of human achievements in contrast to the enduring presence of nature.

Hope and Resilience
Despite the challenges depicted in the story, Becker infuses a sense of hope. The final scenes show the ageing tree releasing an acorn into the river, symbolizing renewal and the potential for new life to emerge from past civilizations' ruins. This aspect encourages readers to reflect on humanity's responsibilities toward the environment and each other.

Artistic Style

Becker employs a combination of pencil, gouache, and digital painting techniques to create visually stunning illustrations that are rich in detail. The artwork invites readers to engage deeply with each page, encouraging them to interpret the unfolding story through visual cues rather than text. The cinematic quality of his illustrations enhances the narrative's emotional depth, making it accessible to both children and adults alike.

Reception

The book has received critical acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and artistic execution. Reviews highlight its ability to provoke thought about humanity's relationship with nature without overt didacticism, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about environmental issues like climate change. Critics have noted that Becker's work challenges traditional boundaries of children's literature by inviting deeper engagement with complex themes.

In summary, The Tree and The River stands out not only as a visually captivating work but also as a profound commentary on human existence, our impact on the planet, and the enduring cycle of life.

Author: Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker, born in 1974, is a celebrated American author and illustrator known for his innovative wordless picture books, including the acclaimed Journey trilogy. His artistic career began in animation, where he contributed to films such as The Polar Express and Cars, before transitioning to children's literature. Becker's works are characterized by their intricate illustrations and profound themes, often exploring the relationship between humanity and nature. His love for travel and architecture significantly influences his storytelling, as seen in his latest book, The Tree and The River, which reflects on the passage of time through the life of a tree amidst changing human civilizations. Currently residing in western Massachusetts with his family, Becker continues to create captivating narratives that resonate with both children and adults alike.