Treeshape

Treeshape

by Trace Balla
Publication Date: 03/03/2026

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An extraordinary, inspiring and hope-filled graphic novel from the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime, Rockhopping, Landing with Wings and Leaf-light, Trace Balla's stunning memoir reveals her personal and life-changing experiences of place, her understanding of the natural world and her relationship to Country.


Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree where everything I notice feels like a part of me. Every birdsong, every leaf's light, every butterfly's dance ...


This beautiful book tells the story of young Trace's awakening to the preciousness of the environment, including her participation in the protests against uranium mining at Jabiluka in the 1980s. Channelling her gift for visual storytelling, Trace reveals emotional truths, shares her commitment to environmental activism, highlights trees that have been meaningful in her life, and explores her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nations peoples.


With its delicate artwork, heartfelt storytelling and timely themes of compassion and environmental care, this graphic novel will resonate with readers of all ages.


'Treeshape is brimming with humanity and bursting with the wholesome imagery and folk wisdom that magnify the small details of life - a generous act of love from a rare Australian artist.' - Shane Howard, singer/songwriter, Goanna


PRAISE FOR TRACE BALLA'S BOOKS:


'Another lovely adventure from Trace Balla. Rich in country and family, deep in care for the future.' BRUCE PASCOE


'A beautiful book about being connected to the world at ground level. I feel like I've made a new friend through Trace's exquisitely accessible drawings and gentle prose.' ALISON LESTER


'Reminiscent of Alison Lester and Roland Harvey, this is a story about moving slowly, looking carefully and remaining curious, and it is a book that leads by example. It is spellbinding.' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

ISBN:
9781923492721
9781923492721
Category:
Uncategorized
Publication Date:
03-03-2026
Language:
English
Publisher:
ALLEN & UNWIN
Trace Balla

Trace Balla is often found sketching in nature, riding her bike, dancing, and growing vegies in her garden in central Victoria. She loves to illustrate and write songs and stories, and inspire others in their creativity and care for the planet. Her background is in illustration, community arts, art therapy, animation, and writing songs and stories, and she enjoys visiting schools and festivals to talk about her work.

Trace's previous books, Rivertime, Rockhopping and Shine, have all been highly acclaimed. Rivertime won the Readings Children's Book Prize and Wilderness Society's Environment Award for Children's Literature, and was shortlisted for the CBCA Awards in two categories, as well as for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards.

Rockhopping was the winner of the 2017 CBCA Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers, and was shortlisted for the 2018 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature for Children's Literature and for the 2016 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards - 8 to 10 Years.

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