Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker
About
A poetic and moving picture book biography celebrating the life and work of the visionary Japanese American woodworker George Nakashima.Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, George Nakashima began a love story with trees that grew throughout his remarkable life as an architect, designer and woodworker.During World War II, George, with his wife Marion and their baby daughter, endured incarceration in Minidoka prison camp, where he drew comfort from the discipline of woodworking.Once free, George dedicated the rest of his life to crafting elegant furniture from fallen or discarded trees, giving fresh purpose and dignity to the wood and promoting a more peaceful world. Today, his pieces are displayed in museums and greatly coveted by collectors. His studio, now helmed by his daughter Mira, is still active in New Hope, Pennsylvania.Author Holly Thompson narrates Nakashimas life using haibun, a combination of haiku and prose, which twines smoothly through Toshiki Nakamuras earthy illustrations. A foreword by Mira Nakashima and robust back matter will deepen young readers understanding of woodworking and poetry, and offer added insights to the work of a master artisan.
Why it’s great
George Nakashima believed every tree had a soul, and he spent his life honoring it through his furniture. This poetic picture-book biography follows his journey from childhood in the Pacific Northwest through incarceration during World War II, where woodworking became his refuge, to the visionary studio where his pieces found their way into museums and homes around the world. A moving first look at what it means to truly love your craft.
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