Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

‘Linden: The Story of a Tree’ with story and art by Colleen Muske is a picture book about a tree who dreams about being more and has a legacy never expected.

Linden lives in the courtyard of a building. Linden knows other trees become grander things that are also grander trees, but Linden is happy providing shade and a place for children to play. Linden sees snowy winters with carolers and summer picnics and children grow

The story’s simple message of contentment is resonant with readers through the text and gentle illustrations. Linden offers a glimpse of a world full of community and people getting along that is comforting to me and will be for young readers.

The title pretty much says it all: this is simply the story of Linden, who is only a tree, but he means so much in the lives of everyone who lives near him. There's a lovely but melancholy feel to this circle-of-life tale, and it made me tear up a bit at the end.

With beautiful illustrations by the author.

An incredible story about community, growth, and cycles of life!

I absolutely adored these illustrations and the colors that flow through these pages!

Linden is a tree. He is planted in the courtyard of an apartment building. Aa the seasons pass and Linden grows, the neighbors grow to love Linden and include him in their celebrations. Then one day linden no longer blooms. He has grown too tall and too old. Although Linden leaves the courtyard, he has left behind something for those who loved him. The beautiful illustrations bring Linden to life.

I genuinely loved this short simple tale of a tree who cared for his community and the community that lives, creates art and music, and finds shelter in his shade. This is a community relationship with both humans and tree giving and taking. The illustrations are simple, but beautiful, and it would make a beautiful story to read to preschoolers to talk about the delight of sharing in a community.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Linden is a short picture book about a community of people who love and care for a beautiful old tree in their town. The colorful illustrations depict a diverse group of people and how they positively interact with the tree (singing under it, reading in the branches, etc.) through the years and all the seasons. The text is not rhyming but the lines are short and easy to read on each page.

There is an emotional moment in the book when the tree gets sick and dies, but it leaves a seed that grows into a new tree. So in a way, this book is also about grief and new beginnings.

I like this book and would recommend this for children between the ages of 7-10.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book before publication.

This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I'm currently teaching personification to my 10th graders, and seeing it in a children's book made me smile the whole time I was reading. I loved Linden as soon as his name was shared. And I grieved this tree right along with the people in the story. It's a beautiful tale about nature around us, showing it love, and grieving when it's lost.

My daughter is saddened by fallen trees because she loves nature
This is a good story to share with kids to learn about the lifespan of a tree and one of the reasons why trees are no more. The story was well written and the subject matter handled well. This is a book that will be on my daughter's shelf.

I loved this story about the Linden tree. This is a full-circle story about a tree and a community. The tree hopes to become something else and the community that loved it. End the end the tree leaves a wonderful gift to the community that loved it. A wonderful story with beautiful illustrations.

A seasonal story of growth and community that will make for a great story time read! I loved how the illustrations portrayed the seasons and the friends enjoying the courtyard

This was a cute book that helped learn the importance of trees. There is a part where the tree gets cut down that may make sensitive children sad because of the way the tree is so important to that family. The illustrations were also great.

Really beautiful children's book about trees and how a tree can bring a community together. Loved the illustrations and the respect for ecology. I imagine readers young and old will love this book. Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

This children’s picture book was so cute! I absolutely adored the artwork. Linden by Colleen Muske has a very sweet story that my four kids (10, 8, 5, and 3) loved. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a children’s story about community and appreciating nature. We will for sure be reading this one again. ARC provided by NetGalley.

What a beautiful story! Linden is a tree who just wants to be what he is. As an important part of the community, everyone loves Linden and people are sad when the tree dies. Happily, Linden has left behind the possibility of regrowth. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Once there was a tree which was much loved and part of the lives of many people...
The illustrations by the author are meaningful, imaginative, clear, and with bright colors.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, and especially to a school or teacher or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Marble Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available March 26, 2024

This book is so sweet. It is a bout an old (you guessed it) Linden tree and the way it blesses communities through its life cycle. It goes through all the season and how it blesses the apartment dwellers around the courtyard. In the end the Linden tree is unhealthy and is taken away, but the tree leaves its roots and soon a new tree sprouts in the courtyard. So cute and sweet with lovely illustrations and a sense of community.

A powerful book that could be used to start many different discussions with child of all ages. Linden explores the power of community, grief and being yourself. The word are simple, but leave an impact on the reader. And the gorgeous illustrations add to the power of this picture book.

This story has a great message about a beloved tree just being a tree. The illustrations in this book are beautiful, especially depicting the tree in all four seasons! I love the community in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Marble Press for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

It wouldn't let me down load it or even read it to give a review I don't know why it's like that this is the first time it would let me do anything

Linden: The Story of a Tree and the Community that Loves Him (Hardcover)
by Colleen Muske
The life of a tree is taken for granted.
This book is a beautiful reminiscent reminder of life's connections to nature.
The culture and its embrace of the single large tree shows the possibility of positive relationships with nature.
Something the modern society over looks is the need to connect to nature.