The Different Tree

2025 Maine Literary Award for Children’s Book

There was always something different about that tree . . .

While the rest of the forest's trees shed their leaves for the winter, an oak tree hangs onto her dried, brown leaves. So stubborn, the wind whispers.

"What's she waiting for?", the birds chitter. "Doesn't she know the rules?", the other trees sigh. But the oak tree must wait, even though she does not yet know why.

With vibrant illustrations and touching metaphors, The Different Tree is nature's reminder to honor individuality and move at your own pace.

Elisa Boxer is an Emmy-winning journalist and the author of numerous acclaimed children's books. She is particularly passionate about telling true stories of brave people daring to be different. Elisa lives in Maine with her family, surrounded by all of the trees and animals that you see in these pages.

Based in The Netherlands, Marieke Nelissen lived in Mexico and Costa Rica when she was young, and her influences come from cultures all around the world. She's most inspired by nature though, and feels a deep love for everything that blooms and grows. Especially trees. Trees are the ones that tell the history of our earth. So cultural and natural aspects are always the base of her work. Natural media is key to Marieke's individual style. By building up forms with layer upon layer of gouache, she gives her images a sense of volume and physicality.