Description

Solomon has a special friendship with the big old maple outside his house. He knows the tree in all seasons and all weathers. When a terrible storm tears it up by its roots, Solomon is devastated. But through the healing process of making a mask from part of the tree with his uncle, he learns that the cycle of life continues and so does the friendship between himself and the tree.
Tsimpshian master-carver Victor Reece inspired well-known author Andrea Spalding to write Solomon's Tree after she participated in his mask-carving workshop. He then created a special mask for the story and shared every step of the process with the author and illustrator. The mask itself will be handed down to Victor's son, Solomon. Examples of Victor's work are found in international museums and galleries, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization. While Andrea carved in Victor's workshop, she became aware that she had received a cultural gift, one that she is honored to be able to pass on through her story.
Janet Wilson spent several days on Pender Island and took many rolls of photos as she prepared to paint the pictures for Solomon's Tree. For this book, Janet worked in oils on canvas and on wood, researching each detail.