1
of
1
The Girl Who Became a Tree
A Story Told in Poems
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 440 ratings, 75 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Girl Who Became a Tree. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Latest News
Jon Toogood visits Book Hero
We were so honoured to have Aotearoa's own royal rock legend Jon Toogood visit Book...
New Hero Alert! Meet Liam - our new Bookstore Hero
We’re thrilled to welcome Liam to the Book Hero team! You’ll find him in our...
Celebrating Bird of the Year 2026 with Bird Books
Today I've got a couple of INCREDIBLE bird books as well as a reading list...
Amelia's Favourite Puzzle Vibe: What Makes a Puzzle Cosy?
What makes a puzzle feel cosy? Amelia shares her favourite puzzle vibe, from bookshops and...
The Book Briefing: 23rd September
Another busy day in the reading world with new book announcements and reveals, events happening...
See more
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021 - a powerful and mesmerising exploration of grief and renewal by the new Waterstones Children's Laureate
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The Girl Who Became a Tree is a powerful and mesmerising exploration of grief and renewal.
The Girl Who Became a Tree sees Joseph Coelho deploy a wide variety of poetic forms with consummate skill in its narration of events. He seamlessly but searingly weaves together the ancient legend of Daphne, who was turned into a tree to avoid the attentions of the god Apollo, and a totally modern tale, mixing real-life and fantasy, in which a latter-day Daphne seeks her own freedom.
This is a heart-stoppingly imaginative story told in poems, at times bleak and even tragic, which is layered, rich, and ultimately a tour de force of poetic skill and energy.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Joseph Coelho's The Girl Who Became a Tree is widely praised as a powerful and evocative exploration of grief, blending modern narrative with mythic elements, specifically the story of Daphne. Reviewers highlight Coelho's masterful poetic technique and the emotional depth of the story, which is almost universally described as moving and impactful. The book's illustrations by Kate Milner are also noted for adding significant depth to the narrative, with their evocative imagery complementing the themes of loss and renewal. Overall, it is seen as a multi-layered, innovative work that resonates with readers across various age groups.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781913074074
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 November 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Otter-Barry Books
Illustration: B/w illustrations throughout
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Kate Milner
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 176
About the Author
Joseph Coelho is a performance poet and playwright. His collection Overheard in a Tower Block was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the CLiPPA. The Girl Who Became a Tree was first published in hardback in 2020 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and won the Bologna Ragazzi Award for Poetry. Joseph became the UK Waterstones Children's Laureate in 2022.
Kate Milner studied illustration at Central St Martin’s before completing an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. Kate won the V&A Illustration Award 2016 and the Klaus Flugge Prize 2018 for My name is not Refugee. Her It's a No-Money Day was shortlisted for the Greenaway Medal.
Also by Joseph Coelho
View all-
Luna Loves Dance
Discover the joy of dancing and the importance of family, whatever your culture, ability, or style with Luna, by award-winning Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, the third book in the Luna Loves... series. When Luna dances, she feels like the world’s volume turns up, like all colours brighten, like sunlight sparkles behind every cloud. But when she takes her dance exam...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Christmas Tree Mouse
Meet Christmas Tree Mouse - Santa's tiniest helper and the loveable hero of this charming new festive picture book adventure from Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, save... CHRISTMAS TREE MOUSE! And she's on an important mission. A mission to help Santa! Every Christmas Eve, this...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Thank You
Tatenda says 'Thank you' every day, whenever he can. 'Thank you' to Mum for making his breakfast, 'Thank you' to the post lady who delivers the letters, 'Thank you' to his teacher and 'Thank you' to the shop assistant. But lately it seems that everyone's heads are too foggy with worry to hear him. So Tatenda says an extra-big, extra-special...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Spooky Poems Aloud
From Children's Laureate (2022-2024), Joseph Coelho, comes a giggling and ghoulish compendium of 25 spooky poems to perform. With a delightful blend of giggles and ghouls, this collection is designed for young readers and budding performers. Within these pages, you'll discover poems that can be recited loudly, softly, or in a ghostly whisper, offering a diverse range of performances. Some...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Poetry Prompts
A compendium of poetry prompts from Joseph Coelho (Children's Laureate 2022-2024). Each fun and engaging prompt for writing a poem helps children discover how to write poems and then read them out loud. This is a book to build confidence and literacy skills through channelling children's imaginations. This is a book for the whole family to enjoy. Bright, cheerful but...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Poetry Play Kit
Make poetry fun with Joseph Coelho, Children's Poet Laureate 2022-2024. This activity kit is packed with games and activities - discover all kinds of ways to start writing poems with Joseph Coelho. A compendium of literacy games and activities: Create endless poetic combinations with over 500 word cards! Spin the spinner for linguistic techniques and use the activity cards to...Game$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Our Tower
This magical story follows three children living in a tower block, as they embark on a fantastical adventure which helps them see their home in a new light. A deeply personal story written by multi-award winning poet and Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, drawn from his own experience growing up in a tower block and looking for adventure. This story...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Our Tower
This magical story follows three children living in a tower block, as they embark on a fantastical adventure which helps them see their home in a new light. A deeply personal story written by the award-winning poet Joseph Coelho, drawn from his own experience growing up in a tower block and looking for adventure. This story is a celebration of,...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
One Little Word
A beautiful and moving picture book from Waterstones Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, tells the story of how a big, hairy argument gets in between two best friends. The argument came from nowhere. It sat huge and bloated in the middle of the playground between me and my best friend. This big hairy monster appears out of the blue one day,...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
One Little Word
A beautiful and moving picture book from Waterstones Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, One Little Word tells the story of how a big, hairy argument gets in between two best friends. "The argument came from nowhere. It sat huge and bloated in the middle of the playground between me and my best friend." This big hairy monster appears out of the...Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My Beautiful Voice
A moving, lyrical picture book about a shy child unlocking the power of their own voice through poetry, with the helping hand of an extra special teacher. Written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho. From the creators of If All The World Were, winner of the 2019 Independent Book Shop Picture Book Award, which has been translated into 13 languages....Hardback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Goodnight, Starry Night
Snuggle up and ease your child off to sleep reading Joseph Coelho's lullaby-like poems. Lyrical, calming and beautifully illustrated, these peaceful poems are a magical way to end the day. Written by award-winning performance poet Joseph Coelho, Goodnight, Starry Night is a collection of 14 poems that takes readers on a gentle journey into dreamland. Each poem is inspired by...Hardback$5400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseThe Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
But disaster strikes when guitarist Jack breaks his wrist and can no longer play. On top of that, all their hard work fundraising has fallen short! When help comes from unexpected channels, the Velvets make it to the Big Apple just in time to compete against the best kid bands in the whole world, including their new rivals the Blazer...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Gruffalo Granny
The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure...Hardback$2499Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early October -
New ReleaseThe Comeback Kid
Charlie Boy might be just an ordinary kid, but he's about to get into some EXTRA-ordinary trouble... Get ready for this funny, fast-paced, friendship adventure with lots of kick. Meet Charlie Boy: skinny, small, looks like a strand of spaghetti. He and his best friend, Rocky the Lower Hutt Chief, are good at getting into trouble together. But when Charlie...Paperback$1799Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleasePocket Observology
Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMinecraft Annual 2027
The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This year’s annual includes: Mob guides on happy...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseGiant Heart
Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMs Rachel: My First Little Library
Learn about colours, animals, words and numbers with Ms Rachel in this early learning boxset. This little set contains four board books that help introduce children to early concepts. Perfect for younger readers, each chunky book will keep little hands occupied at home, or on the move. And, once you’re done reading (and re-reading), the four books come together to...Board book$1599Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseProtector of Beyond 1
Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series. The moment you enter the Arbiter, your fate is sealed. If you spark, you fight! And 12-year-old Elder Triss produces a spark like no other. Transported to the mysterious Beyond, Elder has no choice but to train for...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseAnimalia 40th Anniversary Edition
A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...Hardback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseThe Little Kiwi Builder
Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down! His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh! Perfect for: Anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories Reading aloud with little ones...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseYou Choose Party Time
It's time to celebrate - Party Time is a brand new You Choose adventure! It's Party Time and you choose what happens! What kind of party will it be? Who will you invite? Which cake would you like to eat? Will you dance to a steel pan band or bagpipes? The possibilities are endless in this magical storytelling toolkit which...Hardback$2599Elsewhere:$3400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Children's Books lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Kiwi Pukapuka!
Here a huge bunch of incredible books for Kiwi kids of all ages, by amazing Kiwi authors! Including picture books and chapter...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Books for Helping Kids with Emotions!
Books are a great way to help children learn about emotions - giving them the language to name and recognize how they...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Chapter Books for the Classroom
Looking for some fresh inspiration when it comes to reading to your class? Lizzy has you covered with her chapter book recommendations!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Travel Books for Tamariki
Going on a trip with your children? There are some amazing pukapuka (books) that are perfect for young travelers! Check out this...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Picture Books
A collection of my favourite picture books to read aloud with my child and keep on the bookshelf as a reminder of...View the list
