A Tale of Two Trees

A tree that isn't there can't cast a shadow. Bertie is the new boy. His dad has spoilt him and that's not about to change: he wants all the shade for himself, and he is used to getting what he wants. Divisions quickly appear in the playground. But Maryam and her friends are not only feisty, they're resilient. They may not have access to sticks and stones, but they have forgiveness, something that is foreign to Bertie, who can't consider conciliation even when it is offered to him. A Tale of Two Trees is a story about playground bullying, but it is bigger than the playground. Addressing the enduring values of sharing, forgiveness and inclusion, it explores universal themes of social inequity, resource distribution, environmental vandalism, class division and culture, and is sure to stimulate lively discussion around dinner tables and in the classroom. AGES: 5 plus AUTHOR: Anthony Bertini works in the corporate world. He believes young people are key to a better future and making the world a better place, which he reflects in his writing for children. Anthony has written several picture books, including as co-author of the award-winning Just One Bee (Dirt Lane Press). His book Where Happiness Hides was translated into nearly 30 languages and made available online for children around the world during the Covid epidemic. A Tale of Two Trees is his second book co-authored by Margrete Lamond. Anthony lives in New South Wales. Margrete Lamond is a publisher, author, educator and researcher known for her quirky turn of phrase and unconventional storytelling. Her recent picture books include the award-winning Just One Bee (Dirt Lane Press), award-winning Paper-flower Girl (Dirt Lane Press) with Mateja Jager, and Tilly in a Tangle (Dirt Lane Press) with Monty Lee, which was a CBCA 2025 Notable Book. Margrete lives in rural New South Wales. Helen Nieuwendijk has studied painting, drawing and sculpture at art schools in South Australia and New York, holds a master's degree in visual arts, and has taught at tertiary level as well as privately mentoring adults and children. The delight of picture books, however, has always captured Helen's fancy: reading, holding, collecting, enjoying them and now illustrating them. Helen's first book was Gilbert's Cake (Gilded Snail, 2025). Helen lives in South Australia.