The Day My Brother Became a Tree

A stunningly illustrated picture book about moving to a new home that celebrates compassion, imagination, nature, and sibling love, by the acclaimed creator of I Lived Inside a Whale.

Owen loves his garden, especially his trees. He loves taking care of them-- naming them, watering them, and even singing songs to them. So, when his parents tell him the family is moving, he is devastated. He just can't imagine leaving all his friends and his beloved garden behind. And if he becomes a tree, no one can make him move away.

Luckily, some creative thinking by his big sister, Wendy, and a loving circle of friends come to the rescue in this uniquely imaginative and beautifully illustrated tale about change and the comfort nature can provide for us.

Author: Xin Li
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 11.23h x 8.83w x 0.45d
ISBN: 9780316492379
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 58
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2026
Booklist 06/01/2026

About the Author
Xin Li is an artist and writer. She was born and raised in China and currently lives in Norway with her husband and their daughter. After spending half of her life living in countries outside of her homeland, Xin chose to paint and write, as stories help her to make sense of a world that otherwise is often lost in translation. Xin is passionate about collecting books, watching clouds, and going for long train rides to cities she has never visited before. I Lived Inside a Whale was her U.S. author-illustrator debut. She invites you to visit her online at Lixin.no