Scholastic signs 'trailblazing' novel from Selznick

Scholastic has secured Big Tree, an immersive novel from the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Scholastic) Brian Selznick. 

Tracy Mack, vice-president and publisher, acquired world rights from Noel L Silverman at Esq. Illumination owns the film rights for the book. The novel will be released in hardcover and e-book on 4th April 2023.

"Brian Selznick is a singular talent who immerses the reader in the natural world with his stunning imagery," said Chris Meledandri founder and c.e.o. of Illumination. "In Big Tree, Brian anthropomorphises nature in an epic tale that grips you from start to finish and resonates emotionally long after you have finished reading.”

Originally inspired by an idea from Steven Spielberg and Meledandri, Big Tree follows two sycamore seeds, Louise and Merwin, as they try to save the world while looking for a safe place to grow. In the spirit of children’s classics such as The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, the novel is a fast-paced adventure that takes readers on a "mesmerising" journey from the prehistoric age to the present day.

The synopsis reads: "A mysterious voice has been calling to Louise in her dreams. She and her brother Merwin are tiny sycamore seeds trying to save the world while searching for a safe place to grow. As they sail into the unknown, far from their Mama Tree, they must use their wits and imaginations to navigate a dangerous world—filled with dinosaurs, floods, meteors and volcanoes!"

Spielberg commented: "The tale of the natural world is the greatest story we have to tell, and Brian delivers a brilliant chapter of it in the pages of Big Tree. It was an absolute joy for Chris and me to help grow the seed of this idea and then sit back and watch Brian’s singular talent produce such a wonderful book."

Ellie Berger, president at Scholastic Trade, said: "Big Tree is rich storytelling at its finest, a page-turning adventure with wonderful characters, about how even the smallest can make an impact and save our world." 

Selznick added: “Creating this book was a great joy and an even greater challenge because I was telling a story about nature from nature’s point of view. It grew into a narrative I’m very proud of, one that reminds us to stop and listen to the world around us, and to help those who need to be helped. These themes seem to grow more and more urgent with each passing day.”