Milly and the Mulberry Tree by Vikki Conley illustrated by Deb Hudson

"One day Milly planted a tree."

It was a mulberry tree. And Milly's first pets were silkworms - mulberry leaves and silkworms - a perfect combination. Milly names her new friends Silky, Milky and Wilky. At the end of the process, where the silkworms turn into moths, Milly is left to marvel over their empty cocoons. Meanwhile her tree keeps growing and giving. The purple mulberries are delicious, and they also make a terrific dye. The tree has strong branches perfect for a swing. As we turn each page there is a birthday party under the tree and we see Milly growing up. Eventually Milly heads off into the wider world and she discovers silk fabrics made from those cocoons of long ago. After years away mostly in Asian countries, Milly returns home with two surprises - her new partner and a beautiful silk dress. You may have guessed the final happy family scene under the mulberry tree. 

I completely misjudged the trajectory of this story – when dad said “it will always keep us together” I anticipated losing dad. Happily, this didn't happen. 

Children in schools often collect silkworms and so they will relate to this story, but the very best part is seeing the actual silk in the context of dress making especially a wedding dress. It is also good to see the life journey of the young girl from child to adult. The end papers are subtle and a perfect way to show the silkworm life cycle. I wonder if mulberry trees do grow as quickly as this one did?

The nursery rhyme reference is delightful and will surely mean Preschool and Kindy teachers will revisit this rhyme and hopefully other nursery rhymes. The bright pink cover will appeal to younger children. I have seen so many books lately decorated with butterflies (it is in the clip art collection of many digital art programs) - but for this book the moth on the cover does relate to the story. 

This is a heartfelt story about growing up. The memories from Milly’s childhood continue into her adulthood. The mulberry tree of her childhood has an impact throughout her life. We discover so much about Milly – the things she loves, the choices she makes. Relationships with others are part of the narrative but are not central to it; instead, this is about Milly’s connection to nature – to the tree, the berries, the silkworms and their cocoons – and the influence these things have on her. Although there is a lovely conclusion to the story, there is also the definite sense that this is just part of Milly’s journey and readers are left to wonder, imagine and predict what might come next for her. 

This book will also help readers appreciate where things come from in our overly manufactured world – and the wonder that nature can be transformed into so many different forms. Mulberries give food to silkworms who give us silk; you can eat the mulberry fruit, and Milly even drinks tea made from mulberry leaves. 

Here are some teachers notes and a trailer from the publisher. 

A lovely, hopeful and gentle book about the ties that bind and the ways that we can create and nurture traditions in our own families - while keeping home close to our hearts.  Kids' Book Review

The story is written from the heart, and is full of figurative language in short, accessible sentences for primary learners. Reading Time

With the feeling of an autobiography, Conley has created a story about growing up, changing and sharing your home world with your new family. Storylinks