Books We Love: Tree Spirits Around the World by Louise Wannier

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Published on Wednesday, 01 October 2025 10:10

Last Updated on 03 October 2025

Monica Costa

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Following the success of her award-winning debut Tree Spirits, author Louise Wannier returns with a sequel that once again blends nature, imagination, and interactivity in a way that feels fresh and magical. Tree Spirits Around the World takes children on a global journey alongside Tilly the mouse, a curious and gentle character who invites readers to explore the hidden magic of trees across six continents and ten different countries.

At its heart, the book is an invitation for children aged four to nine to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the wonder in the natural world. In a time when screen-based entertainment dominates so much of family life, Wannier’s work offers a tactile, screen-free alternative designed to spark creativity and nurture emotional awareness. Teachers who embraced her first book dubbed it “the antidote to screen time,” and the same can certainly be said of this second instalment.

One of the book’s most striking features is its innovative use of interactive overlays. Each page pairs vivid full-colour photography with illustrated acetate layers that create a peek-a-boo effect. Children lift the overlays to reveal hidden elements within the trees, making the experience playful and surprising. These moments of discovery mirror the excitement of uncovering secrets in nature, encouraging young readers not only to observe but also to imagine and interpret.

The journey through the pages is both geographical and emotional. As Tilly travels from country to country, she encounters tree spirits that reflect the diversity of landscapes and cultures across the globe. This imaginative framework gently introduces children to the idea that, while the world is vast and varied, there are universal threads that connect us all. The tree becomes a symbol of resilience, beauty, and shared humanity, teaching lessons of empathy and interconnectedness along the way.

Wannier’s lyrical prompts are designed for reading with children, not just to them. Each page encourages dialogue between adult and child, transforming story time into a shared creative experience. Instead of a linear narrative, the book offers many small stories within its pages. This structure allows families to dip in and out, lingering over details and engaging in conversations that flow naturally from the imagery.

The book’s format also makes it an ideal gift. With its sturdy paperback binding, rich photography, and layered design, it is both visually appealing and durable enough for repeated reading. Parents and grandparents will appreciate the way it combines beauty with substance, offering an experience that is as enjoyable for adults as it is for children.

Louise Wannier herself brings a fascinating background to her writing. A creative entrepreneur and artist, she has spent her career blending innovation with storytelling, from technology and design to art and education. Her passion for encouraging imagination and emotional connection is evident on every page of Tree Spirits Around the World.

More than just a picture book, this is a journey into wonder—a reminder that trees are more than just part of the landscape; they are vessels of history, culture, and imagination. Families looking for meaningful, screen-free activities to share with their children will find this book an inspiring companion.

Available from Amazon on Paperback (ISBN No: 978-0990997672) priced £17.99 and Kindle format (£7.99) from here.