Emma Oliver and the Song of Creation

This is an entirely magical book, a modern Alice, about the Love of Trees, the importance of Trees, about Music, about the importance of caring for Nature, and totally in "tune" with the ethos of this time in her story and his story. I had so recently purchased a book by Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees, a book that does in very scientific and loving ways, tell us, about the vast underground network that forms the Family of Trees, a far deeper connectivity than many knew, and this communications network is vast and amazing, in so many ways. Of course Trees for us, should echo through history, as we have our Garden Story, yes, that Tree, the Tree of Life, and then, the Tree of Knowledge. Back to this book, a rollicking adventure story that throws Emma, our heroine, into a fantastical adventure that involves saving the Mother Tree, that is very much about the Music, about the value of trees, this the poetree, of Life Herself, speaking. I love the imaginative flow of this Story, how the weave is spell binding in many ways, and the joy of Nature comes ringing through. I also Love how language, how Emma's name is reverberant with the ancient Mother tree, how that song is so important, for Nature and Nurture come so beautifully together, to keep what is needed green. Maybe beyond belief, be leaf, is such a Story that does entrance. The uses of Enchantment to speak volumes about our need to hug, to honor, and realize the importance for us all, of that leafy sheltering canopy, how Earth herself depends on Trees.

This book is more than a fantasy adventure story. It's a paean to the triumphant power of Nature for all ages. It is particularly a celebration of trees of all shapes and sizes and their subtle vibrant relationship to humans. Hale achieves a completely magical scenario through personifying the trees as human characters This carries over into squirrels, mice and rabbits who assist Emma in her quest. The interplay between humans, trees and animals is so homogenous that their distinction disappears. The book is far more than a ripping yarn and a roller coaster ride of thrilling chapters. It is a great parable about humankind's interrelationship with its environment. What is quite unique in the book is the use of vocal sound in the form of incantations and rhyming poems. Hale has managed to stimulate our imagination through superb story-telling and, at the same time, awaken our conscience to the precious, yet threatened world of trees. I thoroughly enjoyed it

The author Susan Hale is taking us in a delightful adventure filled with colorful characters. All the elements for a great story are present: The read is flowing and very well written. The feel is elevating yet grounded, punctuated with humor and mystery. The theme is filled with lessons in courage and trust: A young girl's initiation in saving the trees, finding her voice, moving though fears and darkness, involving being alone in much of her journey yet surrounded by loving support including ancestors, family, animals and lovable tree people. The characters, some bigger than life, seem to come out of mythology and are easy to visualize and to befriend. Their names are cleverly chosen. Even though I am far from the juvenile category, I so enjoyed hanging out with Emma and her friends...

This magical fantasy finds it's way into your heart so easily. It's one of those books to curl up with that makes you turn the pages to see what happens next, yet you don't want the story to end. Alongside the human characters, some good, others concerned only with themselves, we have trees and animals that speak, each in their own unique voice, to weave a strong message about looking after our planet. There is humour and plenty of dramatic twists and turns. Emma's uncle Alf is a treasure who not only brings wisdom to the immediate dilemmas faced by Emma and her family, but plays an important role in encouraging and preparing his niece to take on the difficult path she is destined for. Through her greatest friend and confidante, who happens to be an oak tree called Annie, Emma learns what she must do and the challenges she will have to confront.

I enjoyed reading this book and I am saving it for my granddaughter when she is old enough to read.