Description

Book Synopsis

A tree has leaves that turn sunshine into tree food. Amazing!

Mary Murphy brings alive for young children the wonderful variety of our amazing world, and the special nature o each living thing - including YOU!



Trade Review

"A superb book...showing how we all have a place in the world. A place that only we can uniquely occupy. The book is effortlessly inclusive and shows how we all are individual but part of a bigger whole."

* Let them be Small *

"A wonderful book about what makes everything around us special and unique."

-- Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books

"Plenty to look at, enjoy and talk about. Nothing is too insignificant to celebrate here, from the tiniest creature to the entire universe. Share, pause, reflect and feel awe."

* Red Reading Hub *

"A perfect example of how picture books can open young minds to big philosophical issues. Perfectly paced and pageset, this title will have universal, international appeal."

* Achuka - Book of the Day *

"The simple text has been hand lettered, and the painterly illustrations include interesting dry textures. Even though many illustrations include tiny details, this will work well for group as well as one-to-one. A simple message delivered effectively."

* Kirkus Reviews (US) *

"All living creatures have a special place in the world in this extraordinary exploration of the concept of self for very young readers by Irish picture-book creator Mary Murphy. The simple narrative and joyful illustrations celebrating a world full of remarkable creatures, reminds little ones that we are all unique, and that we are the only ones who know how to be us."

* Irish Examiner *

"Understanding and celebrating similarities and differences are hallmarks of the book, brilliantly conveyed in simple hand-lettered text and cheerful pictures of animals, people, and the environment. A necessary purchase. Uniqueness of thought, personality, interests, and purpose is celebrated in this beautiful book."

* School Library Journal *

"A delightful book that gives the reader food for thought while the gentle rhythm of its words work as music to the ears of babies and toddlers."

* Prisma *

"This story about uniqueness and individual acceptance could be read and enjoyed simply at surface level. But what I think makes this book much more is it's a starting point for so much discussion and so much learning."

* English Association *

Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree

    Product form

    £8.54

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Mary Murphy

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree by Mary Murphy

      Publisher: Otter-Barry Books Ltd
      Publication Date: 30/09/2021
      ISBN13: 9781913074524, 978-1913074524
      ISBN10: 1913074528

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A tree has leaves that turn sunshine into tree food. Amazing!

      Mary Murphy brings alive for young children the wonderful variety of our amazing world, and the special nature o each living thing - including YOU!



      Trade Review

      "A superb book...showing how we all have a place in the world. A place that only we can uniquely occupy. The book is effortlessly inclusive and shows how we all are individual but part of a bigger whole."

      * Let them be Small *

      "A wonderful book about what makes everything around us special and unique."

      -- Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books

      "Plenty to look at, enjoy and talk about. Nothing is too insignificant to celebrate here, from the tiniest creature to the entire universe. Share, pause, reflect and feel awe."

      * Red Reading Hub *

      "A perfect example of how picture books can open young minds to big philosophical issues. Perfectly paced and pageset, this title will have universal, international appeal."

      * Achuka - Book of the Day *

      "The simple text has been hand lettered, and the painterly illustrations include interesting dry textures. Even though many illustrations include tiny details, this will work well for group as well as one-to-one. A simple message delivered effectively."

      * Kirkus Reviews (US) *

      "All living creatures have a special place in the world in this extraordinary exploration of the concept of self for very young readers by Irish picture-book creator Mary Murphy. The simple narrative and joyful illustrations celebrating a world full of remarkable creatures, reminds little ones that we are all unique, and that we are the only ones who know how to be us."

      * Irish Examiner *

      "Understanding and celebrating similarities and differences are hallmarks of the book, brilliantly conveyed in simple hand-lettered text and cheerful pictures of animals, people, and the environment. A necessary purchase. Uniqueness of thought, personality, interests, and purpose is celebrated in this beautiful book."

      * School Library Journal *

      "A delightful book that gives the reader food for thought while the gentle rhythm of its words work as music to the ears of babies and toddlers."

      * Prisma *

      "This story about uniqueness and individual acceptance could be read and enjoyed simply at surface level. But what I think makes this book much more is it's a starting point for so much discussion and so much learning."

      * English Association *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account