The Family Tree

A "gently humorous and thoroughly recognizable" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) picture book meditation on what makes a home, what makes a family, and how a magical tree can hold everything--and everyone--together.

Nothing ever really happens at Penny's house. It's all hurry in and hurry out again. But then, something wonderful and unexpected appears that gets everyone's attention. It starts out small, just a seed, then grows and grows until it's simply too big to ignore: a tree!

Every day, the tree gets a little taller, a little leafier, and a lot more special. And every day, as they care for the tree, Penny's family starts to hurry out less and stay in more. Could something else be shifting in Penny's house, something much more than a tree?

Author: Liz Garton Scanlon,Audrey Vernick
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Published: 09/30/2025
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 10.60h x 8.80w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781665948371
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2025
Publishers Weekly 06/23/2025
School Library Journal 08/01/2025 pg. 71

About the Author
Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of numerous celebrated picture books, including One Dark Bird; In the Canyon; Happy Birthday, Bunny!; the Caldecott Honor recipient All the World; Thank You, Garden; and The Family Tree. Liz is an adjunct professor of creative writing at Austin Community College, and her poetry has been published widely in literary journals. She lives with her family in Austin, Texas. Visit her at LizGartonScanlon.com.

Audrey Vernick writes fiction and nonfiction for young readers, including The World's Best Class Plant, All Star: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball, and After the Worst Thing Happens. A three-time recipient of the New Jersey Arts Council's writing fellowship, Audrey's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family. Visit her at AudreyVernick.com.

Fiona Lee is an artist who lives in Vermont with her family and a couple of ragtag pets. She is the illustrator of picture books including I Love You So... by Marianne Richmond, Ways to Say I Love You by Madeleine Cook, Bark Ship Bonnie by Stephanie Staib, Can't Stop Kissing That Baby by K.L. Going, and The Family Tree by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick. Visit her at FionaLeeStudios.com.