There are some things in life that you have to really work hard and struggle for. But every so often, something falls in your lap in a way that feels both effortless and inevitable. And never was that more the case than here with this wonderful picture book! It began with a text by Maria Gianferrari, which was paired up with illustrations by the award-winning illustrator Felicita Sala. The result? Pure magic.

Yes siree, if you haven’t figured it out yet, we are talking about a brand-new picture book deal–and here’s the official announcement:

Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has won, at auction, world rights to publish Maria Gianferrari’s new picture book text, BE A TREE, with illustrations by Felicita Sala. This lyrical book explores the beauty, majesty, and connectivity of trees, and how they compare to each of us individually, and as a society. The author was represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and the illustrator by Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions, for publication in spring 2021. 

Hooray and enormous congratulations, Maria! Is it 2021 yet? J

- Joan