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A review by mat_tobin
The Girl Who Became a Tree: A Story Told in Poems by Joseph Coelho
5.0
A verse novel by current Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, with illustrations by Kate Milner, takes readers on a poignant and surreal journey through grief and healing. Fourteen-year-old Daphne, grappling with the loss of her father, seeks solace in the library, where she immerses herself in books to avoid confronting her pain. However, when she loses her phone, which holds the last voicemail from her father, she embarks on a Wonderlandesque quest to retrieve it. Guided by a message to "follow the nuts," Daphne enters a bewildering forest of past memories, reminiscent of the Greek myth of Daphne who transformed into a tree to escape Apollo's pursuit.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow.